Walmart Canada’s Store 1033 Edmundston, New Brunswick, was recently named the retailer’s 2022 Store of the Year--one of the company’s most coveted awards--beating out more than 400 stores across the country.
“It’s like winning the Stanley Cup at Walmart!” said Pierre Morel, Walmart Canada Store Manager, 1033 Edmundston. He accepted the award on behalf of his 170+ associates at Walmart Canada’s Year Beginning Meeting (YBM) in Toronto.
The Store of the Year Award goes to the store that delivers a consistent omnichannel shopping experience, as well as:
- Achieves its performance metrics
- Drives process excellence
- Inspires, takes care of and develops their associates
- Keeps the customer at the heart of their decisions
“The Edmundston store had an extraordinary year and continues to deliver a seamless omni shopping experience for its customers,” shared Dries D'hooghe, Walmart Canada’s Interim Chief Operations Officer.
In addition to hitting key company performance metrics, the Edmundston store also excelled in giving back to the local community. Last year alone, the Edmundston store raised and donated more than $51,000 for charities and organizations in need as well as donated more than 76,000 lbs. of safe, surplus food to their local food bank Atelier R.A.D.O.
“Individuals don’t win – teams do.” - Sam Walton
Morel couldn’t wait to share his excitement with his associates, surprising them at the store instead of taking the day off as planned after he returned from YBM.
“They all wanted to see the trophy. Everyone wanted to touch it. They never thought that Edmundston would be the number one store in Canada, it’s such a small town. We all haven’t stopped talking our win.”
Five-year Edmundston associate and Lead Department Manager Meigy Prisilia was very excited when the store became a regional finalist, but the win was the icing on the cake. “I’m very proud to be part of the winning Edmundston team and I am enjoying celebrating this win with my team and all the associates in the store.”
“I have a very strong team, probably the best team in Canada," added Morel. "They made this happen, I’m just the head coach,” explained the award-winning store manager.
Morel began his career at Walmart almost 20 years as an hourly associate and is an example of the career growth Walmart provides. “This is definitely a highlight of my career and at the top of the list of all the things I wanted to accomplish as a Walmart Store Manager."
