Walmart seeking 200 to staff new store in Darlington

Walmart announced Tuesday that about 200 people are being sought to staff the store currently under construction.

Sited on 16.5 acres, the 120,000-square-foot store has been pegged by city officials as an investment ranging from $8.7 million to $8.9 million. A Walmart gas station is also being built, and company officials hope to have a spring opening.

Applications are being accepted at a temporary hiring center at 106 Express Lane in the Darlington Crossroads Shopping Center and will be accepted from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.

People can also apply online at http://careers.walmart.com .

Store manager Kevin Lane said in a press bulletin the store is seeking to hire full- and part-time people.

“We’re looking for highly motivated individuals to come work for the world’s largest retailer,” he said. “Walmart offers opportunity for personal and professional growth.”

Darlington County Economic Development Partnership director Frank Willis hailed the announcement as good news for the city and county.

“For the city it’s a good retail boost,” he said. “For the county, any time you get 200 jobs that’s good news. We’re glad to see any growth in the community and Walmart is a name recognized globally, so it’s a good mark for Darlington.”

Walmart said in the bulletin it will offer a job to any eligible U.S. veteran honorably discharged from active duty since the Veterans Welcome Home Commitment launched on Memorial Day 2013.

Over 100,000 veterans have found positions across the nation with Walmart, the company said.

Full- and part-time associates can receive benefits including affordable health and well-being benefits, the company said, and eligible associates can receive up to 6 percent of pay in a matching 401(k). There are also discounts on general merchandise, an associate stock purchase program and company paid life insurance, Walmart said.

An informal groundbreaking was held last June and company officials have said in the past the target opening date will be in March.