marketside by walmart location

The stores hope to satisfy customers looking for quick mid-week groceries, not to stock up, Kim said.

As the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart is able to slash prices by buying in bulk. Marketside can't do this to the same extent, but items will still be a great value, Kim said.

"We will have the best prices in Phoenix on the items our customers buy most frequently: milk, eggs, bread, butter and bananas," Kim said.

Ultimately, Marketside seeks to answer the question "What's for dinner?" in fresh and innovative ways, providing food that is easy, healthy and fast, she said.

Marketside's tagline is "deliciously affordable," following the theme of healthy, fresh food doesn't have to be expensive. The store also plans to promote convenience.

Though Marketside was created by Wal-Mart, the brand isn't advertised anywhere in the stores or on the Web site. The company wants Marketside to be a distinct brand in itself, Kim said.

Customers will determine exactly how fast and far Marketside can go, she said. There is no set time frame for the test.

"[Customers] told us they wanted a more convenient way to buy fresh food mid-week," she said. "They didn't want to have to sacrifice convenience or freshness for value."

The idea was developed based on customer needs, Kim said.

Hansoul Kim, spokeswoman for Marketside said, Phoenix was the ideal area for the test because residents have a strong affinity for Wal-Mart.

The first four will open in Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert.

The Phoenix area is the beta test location for the Marketside stores — small neighborhood markets that promote fresh food and low prices.

Wal-Mart opens a new chain of grocery stores in the Valley Saturday, but shoppers will find it vastly different from the retail giant's Supercenter.

Published On: Thursday, October 2, 2008

Neighbors of Tempe's Marketside location look inside the new store Wednesday, three days before Saturday's grand opening. (Morgan Bellinger/The State Press)

Wal-Mart changes brands' appearance with Marketside

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Wal-Mart changes brands' appearance with Marketside | The State Press - An independent daily serving Arizona State University