Three Maricopa organizations received community grants from Wal-Mart as the store marked a grand re-opening Saturday.
Leading Edge Academy was awarded $2,000 for its F.I.T. Sports Program. American Legion Post 133 and Legacy Traditional Academy received $1,000 each.
The corporation’s grant program awards funding to organizations promoting education, economic development, diversity and inclusion, public safety or environmental sustainability.
“Maricopa’s awesome; it’s a great community,” said J.R. Oyama, marking his second year as store manager.
The grants coincided with the remodel of the store, which Oyama described as an investment in Maricopa.
A native of Hawaii and graduate of Oregon State, Oyama was on site nine years ago when Wal-Mart opened in Maricopa and new he wanted to come back. He said he has watched U.S. retail change dramatically in the past decade.
“People want to get their scripts and money transfers faster,” Oyama said. “Everybody wants to have online aps.”
That led to changes in the pharmacy and electronics department, as well as other areas. In electronics, for instance, several items are displayed so customers can try them out before purchase. The store placed longer conveyer belts in the self-checkout aisle so customers can get in and out faster.
Maricopa High School band members played the national anthem and pep tunes. Members of the JROTC presented the colors.
