Walmart Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its new 1-million-square-foot Sam’s Club distribution center in North Jacksonville, Florida, on April 17, 2025. This state-of-the-art facility, located at 1511 Zoo Parkway in Imeson Park South, represents a significant investment of $61 million and is designed to enhance the efficiency of Walmart’s supply chain operations in the Southeast.
The sprawling 23-acre site is equivalent to 17.5 football fields and is strategically located just 10 minutes from the Port of Jacksonville. This proximity allows the center to receive and process shelf-stable items for delivery to 18 Sam’s Club locations across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, as well as seven clubs in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the facility will store and sort imported goods for delivery to four distribution centers throughout the Southeast.
As part of the grand opening ceremony, Frank Herrera, the general manager of the new facility, expressed pride in creating 250 new jobs for the Jacksonville community. “We’re proud to create a new slate of jobs in our community. Each position brings a pathway for opportunity at Walmart and Sam’s Club,” Herrera stated. “Today’s ribbon cutting is a celebration of our commitment to our associates, our community and our future.”
The event was marked by various festivities, including the singing of the national anthem and an employee cheer, which set a jubilant tone for the occasion. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of employees, and notable figures including Jacksonville Office of Economic Development Deputy Director Paul Crawford, who highlighted the importance of the center for the local economy. “This is what came out of it, and we’re really happy to see Sam’s located here in this part of the city, which is really going to be an economic driver for us as we go forward in our evolution of logistics and distribution,” Crawford remarked.
During the ceremony, Walmart also made a commitment to the community by donating $5,000 each to Keep Jacksonville Beautiful and the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville. This philanthropic effort underscores Walmart’s ongoing dedication to supporting local initiatives. In fiscal year 2024, Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $122 million in product donations and grants across Florida.
Walmart's expansion in Jacksonville comes at a time when the company is experiencing robust growth in e-commerce. The retailer recently reported a strong fourth quarter, with e-commerce sales increasing by 20% in the United States. Sam’s Club U.S. also saw a notable 24% rise in online sales. The company’s focus on enhancing delivery speed has allowed it to reach 93% of U.S. households with same-day delivery options.
Frank Herrera noted that the facility became fully operational in February 2025 and is staffed with 250 workers. He emphasized the quality of the local labor force, stating, “The community has embraced us here and what I mean by that is the amount of talent that is out there that has come in and applied here. It’s just been solid.” He added that for every job opening, there are up to 200 applicants, indicating a strong local interest in employment opportunities.
As Walmart navigates the complexities of the current economic landscape, including the implications of new U.S. tariffs on imported goods, the company remains focused on managing inventory and expenses effectively. CEO Doug McMillon acknowledged the uncertain environment but reassured stakeholders of Walmart’s commitment to maintaining low prices.
Local political leaders, including U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, attended the grand opening, although the event was closed to media coverage after the ceremony concluded. The Jacksonville City Council previously approved a $1.5 million tax incentive for the center, which was developed under the name Project Crystal. This initiative reflects Jacksonville’s growing reputation as a logistics hub, attracting multiple distribution centers, including those from major players like Amazon.
The architectural design of the facility was handled by Harrison French and Associates of Bentonville, Arkansas, while Evans General Contractors LLC of Savannah, Georgia, took on the construction. VanTrust Real Estate LLC is the developer of Imeson Park South, which is home to several distribution centers, including a significant Amazon fulfillment center.
As Walmart continues to expand its operations and adapt to the evolving retail landscape, the new Sam’s Club distribution center in Jacksonville stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to growth and community investment. With a focus on job creation and local partnerships, Walmart is poised to enhance its service capabilities and strengthen its position in the competitive retail market.
In summary, the grand opening of the Sam’s Club distribution center not only marks a significant milestone for Walmart but also highlights Jacksonville’s emerging role as a pivotal logistics hub in the Southeast. The investment in the new facility promises to bolster local employment and contribute to the region's economic development while enhancing Walmart's operational efficiency.
