Walmart launches 197,000-square-foot supercenter in Yaphank 

Walmart opened a 197,000-square-foot supercenter in Yaphank on Wednesday

The supercenter model is larger than Walmart's traditional format, and includes grocery, clothing, electronic and home furnishing sections. The Yaphank store also has an auto care center and expanded lawn, garden and seasonal items department, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer said. The store currently employs more than 300 people, but aims to add another 100 part-time and full-time workers, store manager Steven Caruso said. Available jobs include overnight stockers, cashiers and positions in the produce, meat and bakery departments, he said.

"Turnout has been strong today and our customers are really enjoying the new store," Caruso said. "It’s a pleasure to see a project of this scale come to fruition during these challenging times."

The store's launch in The Boulevard, a $450 million residential and retail complex under development on William Floyd Parkway near the Long Island Expressway, brings Walmart's regional footprint to 14 locations. The company's Long Island portfolio now includes three supercenters, one Neighborhood Market grocery store and one Sam's Club.

Supercenters usually operate 24 hours a day, but Walmart has curtailed their hours to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. during COVID-19. The Yaphank location will offer curbside pickup of pharmacy products and groceries ordered online.

The Boulevard is located on 322 acres at the former Parr Meadows racetrack site. Construction of an assisted-living facility and a hotel called Home2 Suites by Hilton was completed on the property last year.

By Sarina Trangle

sarina.trangle@newsday.comSarinaTrangle

Sarina Trangle covers affordability and cost of living issues and other business topics. She previously worked as an editor and reporter at amNewYork.