WAL-MART OPEN AT SIKESTON, PLANS OCT. 1 GRAND OPENING

SIKESTON -- The new Wal-Mart store at 1303 S. Main is now open in Sikeston, and plans are under way for "grand opening" of the firm's 120,162 square foot faciltiy.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executives will be on hand to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Oct. 1.

"All Sikeston area residents are invited to join in the re-grand opening celebration by stopping by at our new store," said Mary Ramsey, store manger. "Our Wal-Mart associates are excited about the relocation of this store.

"We will be able to offer Sikeston area residents an even bigger and better Wal-Mart store," she said. "We're looking forward to continuing as active members of the Sikeston community."

As part of Wal-Mart's new commitment to the community, Ramsey announced that a $1,000 scholarship would be given to a Sikeston High School senior each year.

The new facility is more than a third larger than the previous Wal-Mart store here, which was about 74,000 square feet. The new store will include a vision center, one-hour photo lab, and tire, oil and battery center.

It will also include merchandise in 36 departments, including housewares, recreational, toys, apparel, shoes, electronic and stereo, and health and beauty aids.

The 28-year-old Wal-Mart chain operates in 38 states, with 1,537 stores. Other divisions of the company include 147 Sam's Club operations and four Hypermart*USAs.

A total of 105 stores operate in Missouri.

The company reported sales of $32.6 billion and a net income of $1.29 billion for the fiscal year which ended Jan. 31.