The week of Walmart has begun in Northwest Arkansas.
During Walmart's 50th anniversary year, the 'retail giant' is hosting its annual Shareholders' Meeting in Fayetteville over the next few days. The events include concerts at Bud Walton Arena, tours of local attractions, and the big meeting at Bud Walton Arena on Friday.
Annie Lezamiz is from Florida and made her first trip to the shareholders' event, she said, "I got up at 3 o'clock this morning, flew in, and I haven't stopped since."
Jeff Myers is from Arizona, he is also excited about the week, "It's an awesome experience, it's kind of like being at the Superbowl."
Terry Stokley works at a Walmart in Pennsylvania, he said, "You have the opportunity to go see the original five and dime, where it started."
"You see the heart of Walmart."
But it's more than just a trip to see where it all began, the 2012 event also offers first timers to Fayetteville a chance to see a unique type of store. In 2011 the first ever Walmart on Campus opened at the University of Arkansas.
Erica Bruce works at a Walmart in Florida she said, "It reminds me of a little miniature grocery store."
Lezamiz added, "We made a special track up the hills to get here."
"Mine is a Supercenter, this is just a cute little store."
For some size doesn't seem to matter.
Stokley said, "It looks very small, you walk inside, and you can't believe how much is in that small store."
Myers added, "It's fast, it's quick, it's easy, and a lot of people today, especially students, need that quick and easy, get in, get out."
Most Walmart associates believe this concept store could make it at any college around the world.
Lezamiz said, "Its just really cool, I love the idea of a Walmart on campus."
Bruce added, "I think we should have more Walmarts on Campuses."
Walmart said the U of A's Walmart on Campus is still the only one in the world.
During Walmart's 50th anniversary year, the 'retail giant' is hosting its annual Shareholders' Meeting in Fayetteville over the next few days. The events include concerts at Bud Walton Arena, tours of local attractions, and the big meeting at Bud Walton Arena on Friday.
Annie Lezamiz is from Florida and made her first trip to the shareholders' event, she said, "I got up at 3 o'clock this morning, flew in, and I haven't stopped since."
Jeff Myers is from Arizona, he is also excited about the week, "It's an awesome experience, it's kind of like being at the Superbowl."
Terry Stokley works at a Walmart in Pennsylvania, he said, "You have the opportunity to go see the original five and dime, where it started."
"You see the heart of Walmart."
But it's more than just a trip to see where it all began, the 2012 event also offers first timers to Fayetteville a chance to see a unique type of store. In 2011 the first ever Walmart on Campus opened at the University of Arkansas.
Erica Bruce works at a Walmart in Florida she said, "It reminds me of a little miniature grocery store."
Lezamiz added, "We made a special track up the hills to get here."
"Mine is a Supercenter, this is just a cute little store."
For some size doesn't seem to matter.
Stokley said, "It looks very small, you walk inside, and you can't believe how much is in that small store."
Myers added, "It's fast, it's quick, it's easy, and a lot of people today, especially students, need that quick and easy, get in, get out."
Most Walmart associates believe this concept store could make it at any college around the world.
Lezamiz said, "Its just really cool, I love the idea of a Walmart on campus."
Bruce added, "I think we should have more Walmarts on Campuses."
Walmart said the U of A's Walmart on Campus is still the only one in the world.
