Walmart now open at Metrocenter in north Phoenix

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - It was an exciting morning for the north Phoenix community as crowds gathered outside Metrocenter's new Walmart before doors opened at around 7:30 a.m.

The new Walmart has a pharmacy, along with grocery, produce, and garden sections. But it's more than just about shopping, it's also about bringing the neighborhood back to life.

"We just saw this as an opportunity... beyond retail here," Warren Fink said.

Fink is the CEO of the Carlyle Development Group and says today is just the beginning.

"What is the bigger plan?" I asked.

"Multi-housing developments," he replied.

Metrocenter opened back in 1973 and at that time, five department stores called this building home, but today there are only two, and this Walmart is the largest investment in Metrocenter in decades.