Big Walmart on campus

TEMPE, Ariz. — Walmart has opened a new small-format store on the campus of Arizona State University as part of a pilot program.

The company announced its plans to open the 5,000-sq.-ft. store in the Vista del Sol plaza at the university in late March of this year. The store includes health and wellness services, a pharmacy, convenient shopping services, convenience items and merchandise tailored to the campus. The Walmart on Campus store is the second in the country, the first having opened at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in January 2011.

"The new Walmart on Campus is going to be a wonderful amenity for the students of ASU," Tempe Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Mary Ann Miller said. "To be able to get off your elevator or get on your bike and be able to pick up a prescription or just basic necessities will add to the convenience of living on or next to campus."

The store employs about 10 people, and the opening included a presentation of $2,500 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to local community groups.

"With our smaller format and being located right on campus, our store is perfect for those who need to pick up a prescription or something for a quick meal," store manager Mario Espino said. "Our customers will be able to find what they need quickly and easily and then head on back to class."