More than 20 years ago, Walmart Canada opened its Whitehorse Walmart Supercentre. Since opening in 2001, the Whitehorse store has been a significant addition to the local community – and some might say it sparked a retail boom in the Yukon’s capital.
It instantly became a one-stop shop for locals looking for their daily essentials and more. And for some, like Conal Slobodin, a Whitehorse native and Walmart Canada’s Senior Manager of Public Affairs, video games.
“I vividly remember when Walmart opened its store in Whitehorse. It was a big day for our local community – big enough that some even skipped school to attend the grand opening,” said Slobodin.
“Along with offering up the items my parents were excited for, like lower-priced Christmas decorations, small appliances, toys, and music, it was my teenaged go-to for video games and movies. They weren’t exactly easy to come by in the area before Walmart arrived.”
Today, the store serves a diverse customer base, including local residents, Alaskans, smaller communities without a Walmart nearby (the next closest store is 1,000 km away), and small businesses, some as far as six hours away. The store also has a small, but mighty online business with typically larger orders.
The store also employs more than 150 associates, who Store Manager Angie Gelinas, proudly refers to as the backbone of the store.
“They’re a hardworking group, and I’m super proud of all of them.”
Clayton Berriman Department Manager, General Merchandise is motivated to come into work every day because of the friendliness of the associates and the customers.
Food Department Manager Demar Thomas feels the same way. “Whitehorse is a small community. You can feel the love, the family, unity,” he shared.
That’s exactly what Angie found when she transferred from Vancouver Island over two years ago, seeking a change. She found all that and more in Whitehorse – and quickly fell under what many call the spell of the Yukon--the vast, scenic beauty of the territory.
“It’s truly an honour to be here. What attracted me to Whitehorse the most was nature, the scenery, just the vastness of the place,” said Gelinas. “When we were flying over the mountains, there were peaks everywhere. It was very cool.”
For long-time customer Stella, Walmart is a very special place. “When I walk through the doors coming into Walmart, it's home. That's all there is to it. It's home.”
Angie feels the same about Whitehorse. “I love Whitehorse. It's really the best place on earth. I probably should have come here like 10 years ago.”
