Walmart on Campus store to open at VCU

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Walmart has signed a lease with the VCU Real Estate Foundation to open a 4,100-square-foot store on Virginia Commonwealth University's campus in late 2014 or early 2015.

The new store is a part of a Walmart pilot program, Walmart on Campus, in which the company is opening smaller format Walmarts located on college campuses that offer quick and convenient shopping options.

"VCU is excited that our students will enjoy the convenience and low prices the Walmart on Campus will offer," said Diane Reynolds, assistant vice president for business services at VCU. "With its product mix, pharmacy and services, this is a great addition to retail growth on and around campus that meets the needs of students, faculty, staff and surrounding neighborhoods."

The store will be Walmart's fifth Walmart on Campus, having previously opened locations at the University of Arkansas, Arizona State University, Georgia Tech and the University of Missouri.

"We are thrilled to bring one of our campus stores to VCU. We continue to find new ways to make shopping more convenient for our customers, and they have been very enthusiastic about this format," said Brooke Mueller, Walmart director of public affairs. "They appreciate the convenience of having a Walmart so close that offers both affordable general merchandise and health and wellness services.”

The store will be located on the first floor of a seven-story building that is currently under construction at 912 W. Grace St. The building is owned by the VCU Real Estate Foundation, a nonprofit established to acquire, lease, develop and dispose of real estate for the benefit of VCU. In addition to Walmart on Campus, the building will include classrooms and administrative offices.

Walmart on Campus will be located near the West Grace Student Housing-North residence hall, which houses VCU Globe, a global education living-learning community, and West Grace Student Housing-South residence hall, which houses VCU ASPiRE, a living-learning community that promotes community engagement. In addition, a mixed-use development that includes a residence hall is under construction in the area.

The store will employ approximately 10 associates, according to Walmart.