A new Walmart Neighborhood Market will open in Flower Mound next Wednesday, Jan. 18, with a 55,000-square-foot store designed to offer quick access to low-cost groceries, prescriptions and household products.

Doors to the new store at 2800 Flower Mound Rd. in  Lake Forest Plaza will open at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, following a 7:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"Occupying space that has been vacant since 2008, the new Walmart Neighborhood Market is a welcome investment in Flower Mound that will serve as an anchor in an important retail location for our community. We look forward to the grand opening celebration on Jan. 18," said Michael Ryan, Director of Community Affairs for Flower Mound.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market will provide southern Denton County shoppers with another destination for groceries, including fresh produce, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, and organic items. For those on the go, the deli offers hot rotisserie chicken, a wide variety of meats, cheese and freshly prepared foods. Customers can pick up cakes and freshly-made bread in the bakery.

"With our smaller format, our store is perfect for those on the go. Whether they're stocking up or need to pick up just a few items, our customers will be able to find what they need quickly and easily," said store manager Anthony Porchia. "Our customers will be able to find familiar brands and local products at great values, right in their own neighborhood."

Shoppers will also appreciate the convenience of the store's drive-up lane, along with a full selection of health-related products in the health and beauty area. Additional areas include stationery, paper goods, pet products and hardware items. Customers can also print their own digital photos at the store. The store will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market plans to employ approximately 90 associates. Several associates who have transferred to the new store from existing Walmart locations have worked for the company for more than 10 years.

"Walmart provides job opportunities and career choices for everyone, from seniors looking for supplemental income to young people wanting to gain work experience," Porchia said. Like most Walmart store managers, Porchia started his career with Walmart as an hourly associate. He joined the company in 1994 as an overnight stocker at a store in Springdale, Ark.

In the spirit of giving back, Porchia said that grants from the Walmart Foundation will be presented to community organizations throughout the year.

Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18 for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Melissa Northern will join Porchia and other associates as they cut the ribbon to the new store. The Flower Mound Marcus High School Band will perform the national anthem as the colors are posted.