Walmart managers outline opening dates, hiring plans for Milton and Pace stores

Walmart store managers told the Milton City Council during a work session that the company plans to open a Milton store on Aug. 6 and a Pace location on Sept. 17 and that both stores intend to recruit substantial local workforces.

The update came as invited guests introduced themselves and described community engagement plans, donations and volunteer opportunities. Bernie, identified in the meeting as the Milton store manager, said she is “glad to be home” and invited council members to a grand opening. Paul, introduced as manager for the Pace location, said that store expects to open Sept. 17 and invited local officials to attend. Hunter, introduced as the Milton pharmacy manager, said the pharmacy team is prepared to serve local residents and encouraged people to transfer prescriptions.

Why it matters: New major retail openings can affect local employment, traffic patterns and community partnerships. Council members asked for staffing numbers and location details; the company offered to share volunteer hours, donation and grant possibilities.

Details the managers provided at the meeting include exact tentative opening dates and staffing goals. Paul said his store’s staffing goal is about 130 employees and that it will be located at Berry Hill and West Spencerfield in Pace. Paul also said he expected the Milton store manager’s staffing goal to be about 140. Bernie said the Milton store’s team is nearly ready and invited the council to the Milton grand opening on Aug. 6; in remarks later in the discussion she said her hiring included many new hires (she stated a figure of 160 hires with 32 transfers, as discussed at the meeting).

Managers offered community support beyond jobs. Bernie said the store will offer grants, online grant assistance, donations and volunteer hours. Hunter emphasized pharmacy service speed and accuracy, and encouraged residents to transfer prescriptions to the new location.

Councilmembers and staff asked practical questions such as job counts and exact location. Speakers and staff organized a brief photo with council members after remarks.

The council did not take a formal vote on the presentation. Council members thanked the visitors and noted appreciation for Walmart’s community partnerships; the council did not request additional formal action on the matter at that meeting.

Additional context: The presenters emphasized local hiring, community donation programs and the chain’s willingness to coordinate with city departments; council members expressed appreciation and asked staff to collect follow-up details if needed.