Walmart is determined to continue efforts to build new stores in the Chicago area in order to help create jobs, stimulate local economic development, provide residents with fresh food and to help all Chicagoans save money and live better. We need more Walmarts, and the benefits they offer, in Chicago. We encourage you to write to your Alderman today to support the new Walmart on 83rd & Stewart.

Good Jobs in Chicago

A Walmart located in Chicago’s West Chatham neighborhood will not only create work opportunities for a community in need, but also bring good jobs that improve the quality of life for employees, their families and the community at large.

• Walmart is the Illinois’ number one private employer, and is the largest employer of African-Americans, Hispanics and seniors nationwide.  In fact, more than 2,300 Chicago residents work at Walmart stores in the Chicagoland area – nearly 1,900 now travel to Walmart stores in the suburbs.
• Walmart offers employees competitive compensation, health care coverage, paid sick and personal leave, bonus incentives, merchandise discounts, and 401(k) options—adding up to one of the best benefits packages in the retail industry.

Better Food for Chicago Families

Building a new Walmart in Chicago will alleviate the food desert by increasing the accessibility of healthier foods in the Chicago area for all families and residents.

• It’s essential that all residents of Chicago have access to fresh groceries, and Walmart has provided families of Chicago with healthier fresh foods.
• Obesity, diabetes and heart diseases are growing at alarming rates in these areas, and access to fresh, healthy food is key to tackling these diseases.

More Choices for Chicagoans

Providing the City of Chicago with another Walmart store will give local residents more flexibility and choices.

• Within Walmart stores, there are endless choices for consumers of products to choose from giving them an abundance of variety and ensure they are getting the best value.
• Having an accessible Walmart in the area allows residents to have an alternative of where to shop, essentially making prices more competitive in favor of consumers.

A Boost to the Local Economy

A Walmart store on 83rd and Stewart will have a positive influence in the West Chatham neighborhood, not only by offering low-cost products, but also by stocking shelves with locally produced goods and bolstering retail development in the area.

• Walmart provides the lowest prices and a community shopping alternative; and each store creates 500 new jobs, generating millions in new sales tax revenues for the City and County, encouraging economic development and provides financial assistance for community organizations.
• In 2008, nearly $500 million was spent in suburban Walmart stores by city of Chicago residents.  In fact, the residents In the 3 zip codes that make up the 21st Ward where this store will be built spent over $80 million at Wal-Mart suburban stores.  It’s no wonder the City is having trouble balancing its checkbook.
• Walmart is actively engaged in seeking new partnerships with Chicago companies to put Chicago-made products on its shelves.

Community Partnerships

Walmart is known for giving back to the communities it serves by donating to local non-profit organizations which make significant and lasting impacts on those in the most need.

• As we do with all of our store communities, Walmart makes it our business to support the West Side organizations that provide a critical safety net for those in need.
• Over the last 5 years, Walmart has contributed over $6 million to Chicago charitable institutions including the Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Food Depository, National Museum of Mexican Art, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, Chicago Children’s Hospital, Chicago City Colleges, After School Matters, Urban League, Museum of Science & Industry and the Chicago Public Library.

Please contact your Alderman today and tell them that you support building a Walmart store at 83rd and Stewart.