The empty Walmart building at Hatch and Mitchell roads is presently in escrow with plans for a retail/grocery store, confirmed city officials. But they aren’t saying what company plans to use it for a new retail store for fear of spoiling the deal.

“We’re pretty ecstatic about it,” said City Manager Doug Dunford who confirmed that the forthcoming company has been visiting the city’s Building Division with plans to remodel the building.

Dunford said the new use will not be for a Sam’s Club which some have suggested would be a good use for the abandoned site.

Walmart abandoned the old store building in November 2021 when it opened the new Walmart Supercenter farther south on Mitchell Road near Highway 99. Since its closure, the community has expressed concerns about the building remaining unused and becoming blighted.

Dunford said the new owner plans to use about three-fourths of the space while allowing another use in the remaining quarter.

Remodeling the building would not require Planning Commission approval since the building already exists and is zoned for commercial use.

As a condition of approval when the city approved the new store in September 2011, Walmart agreed to a “Reuse Strategic Plan,” which calls for Walmart to post a $25,000 maintenance bonds to keep the building free from blight as well as incentives for the corporation to quickly find new uses for the old building. 

Walmart steadfastly said they would not turn the building over to a competitor, which rules out a Target store. At one point during Walmart’s protracted fight to win approval for the Supercenter, representatives noted that vacated Walmart buildings nationwide have been filled by such companies as Kohl’s, Petco, OSH, Ross, Pier 1 Imports, PetSmart, Sears, Lowe’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Hobby Lobby, Marshalls, Macy’s, Office Depot, Fry’s, Jo-Ann, BevMo!, Dillards, T.J. Maxx and Cost Plus World Market.