Walmart’s newest Supercenter opened in The Villages, Florida, on March 4.
The “next generation” store located at 11115 Waxman Dr. opened with a community celebration “highlighting the store’s associates, new products and services, Fresh From Florida produce and local nonprofit partners,” the retailer said.
“Today is a proud moment for our team and The Villages community,” said Store Manager Trish Rubio. “Thanks to the dedication of our associates, we’re opening a store designed for how customers shop today — bringing new jobs, expanded services and even more value to this growing community.”
The Villages is a 55-and-up community in central Florida.
The new Supercenter added more than 400 new jobs to the region, Walmart said, adding that the store also supports regional suppliers, contractors and service providers across The Villages area.
Regional investment
The Villages Supercenter closely follows the opening of new Supercenters in Apollo Beach and Jacksonville, as well as a Neighborhood Market in Ocala. Walmart also has begun construction on a new Neighborhood Market at 16625 SE 91st Phillips Court in The Villages, expected to open in fall 2026.
Walmart says these investments are part of its plan to build or convert more than 150 stores nationwide over the next several years.
Built for the future
Along with a refreshed look and feel, The Villages Supercenter is designed to offer shoppers “convenience, technology and an expanded assortment, all while staying true to Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices,” the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer said.
Features include:
• Express delivery in as little as an hour, including prescriptions, plus curbside pickup and a drive-thru pharmacy.
• A more open design to expedite shopping trips, with expanded home and apparel offerings.
• Interactive digital touchpoints in the physical store, including a new Auto Care Experience that combines a digital experience with in-store expertise.
• A “robust” grocery department featuring fresh produce, bakery and deli items, tortillas made fresh in-house and a sushi bar.
Florida-grown products highlighted
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson joined store associates and community leaders at the grand opening to announce a collaboration with Walmart to spotlight Florida-grown products through the state’s Fresh From Florida program. The initiative began rolling out earlier this year, with customers already seeing Fresh From Florida products featured in-store and online statewide. Thanks to shopper response, the initiative will expand to several Sam’s Club locations across the state later this month.
“Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are second to none, and this partnership between Fresh From Florida and Walmart puts their products front and center,” Simpson said. “When shoppers see the Fresh From Florida label in Walmart and Sam’s Club stores, they can trust that they’re buying the freshest products, grown right here at home, and supporting the hardworking farm families across our state.”
Star-studded opening
Store associates and community members gathered March 4 for a ribbon-cutting and celebration specifically geared toward the community, including sampling of fresh Florida produce alongside other suppliers. Special guests included LPGA Hall of Famer and three-time major champion Nancy Lopez and actor, comedian and TV host Anthony Anderson, along with a jazz performance by world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips.
As part of the grand opening, Walmart awarded Spark Good grants to local nonprofit organizations serving The Villages community, including Wildwood Soup Kitchen, Love Thy Neighbor and Rotary Club of The Villages.