New Walmart Supercenter To Breathe Life Into Abandoned Hollywood Mall

Walmart today announced the unanimous approval of the proposed store at the former Hollywood Fashion Mall site, creating a new option for residents who need jobs or want more affordable grocery options close to where they live or work.
The store will be a full service Walmart including groceries, and a pharmacy. The site plan application for the project has been approved by the City of Hollywood’s Planning & Zoning Board, with construction scheduled to begin in 2014 and a hiring center to open in the spring of 2015 followed by a grand opening in summer of 2015. The proposed store was met with strong community support, and members of the Lawn Acres Civic Association came to the meeting in support of the approval.
With nearly 200,000 people living in a three mile radius, the approved store will give the entire area a much needed boost and affordable shopping options.
The supercenter will be located at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and State Road 7, the former site of the Hollywood Mall. The 180,000 square foot store will employ about 300 people, bringing new life to a property that has been inactive since becoming vacant in 2005.
“It has been nearly 10 years since we have seen significant development come to this area of Hollywood and Walmart is leading the way in bringing new retail to this neighborhood,” City of Hollywood Commissioner Sherwood. “We are located in one of the most highly populated areas of Hollywood, yet grocery options are limited. At a time when many residents are still recovering from the economic downturn, the affordable prices and jobs that will be offered by the Walmart store are welcome.”
The new store will feature a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meat and dairy products, frozen foods, dry goods, condiments and spices as well as a pharmacy, pet supplies and household items. In addition, the property will include a gas station and a TD Bank branch.
“Our Hollywood store will bring affordable groceries and jobs to the surrounding community, while bringing economic development and revitalization to the area. We believe it will serve as a catalyst for other businesses,” said William Wertz, Director of Communications in the East at Walmart.  “The City of Hollywood worked collaboratively with Walmart from the beginning and we are excited to be a future resident of this visionary city, and look forward to serving the residents of Hollywood.”
Walmart has been operating stores in Broward County for 31 years and currently serves cities including Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale, Lauderdale Lakes, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Sunrise.