After years of debate, Helotes Wal-Mart opens

Store most environmentally efficient Wal-Mart in San Antonio

After almost a decade of debate, retail giant Wal-Mart is set to open its doors on Wednesday in Helotes. The opening comes after nine years of back and forth fighting over whether one of the world's largest retailers should set up shop in the quaint community.

The store is located off Bandera Road and will remain open 24 hours.

"One of the unique features of the store it's one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable stores in San Antonio," said Daniel Morales, director of public affairs for Walmart. "We use natural energy and sunlight to light the store."

The 152,000-square-foot store is the first one to be built in seven years in the San Antonio area. It will employ 300 workers.

"Working with the city here and the community has been great," said Stewart Adair, the store's manager. "They've been very supportive, and we're supportive of them. We're working one on one together."

And despite the years of debate, it all boils down to residents and the customers. Some of whom say they welcome the new addition.

"I've always thought it was a silly argument against Walmart," said Helotes resident Ken Cluck. "They are successful because they happen to give a product that people want, for a price people can afford."

The store opens in Wednesday at 8 a.m.

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