The Wednesday opening of a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market in Coral Springs (4650 N. University Dr., North Hills Square, 954-753-7377) got lost in the Ikea shuffle.

What’s a Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market?

It’s pint-sized (52,024-square-feet) compared to the typical Wal-Mart Supercenter (187,000 square feet) with just 29,000 items compared to 142,000.

It’s designed for convenience. So instead of the overflowing shopping carts of once-a-week-shopping families, the Neighborhood Market is designed to attract folks picking up a few things for dinner. This one was built in a former Winn-Dixie and includes groceries, prepared foods, a pharmacy and a big health and beauty department. It’s closer to what we think of as a traditional supermarket. Think of it as a more intimate Wal-Mart, with better lighting, better displays and less hubbub.

This is Florida’s 16th Market and the second in South Florida. The first one is also in Coral Springs. It opened in July at 10635 W. Atlantic Blvd. (Cypress Run Square, 954-345-9513).
Both stores are open 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week.

The new store will have free giveaways all weekend long. I got handed a loaf of bread on my way out the door.

J.T.

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