MIAMI—It's a first for Walmart and a first for the City of FortLauderdale. The mega retailer just signed a deal that makes itssupercenter the anchor tenant for the Riverbend Marketplaceproject. The lease marks Walmart's entry into Fort Lauderdale.

“We think Walmart can be a part of the solution for the City ofFort Lauderdale when it comes to affordable groceries and jobs,”says Bill Wertz, a Walmart spokesperson. “Ourstore, and others in the complex will help serve as a catalyst foreconomic development in the greater Ft. Lauderdalearea.”

Constructed by Gatlin Development at the intersection of BrowardBoulevard and Interstate 95, the Walmart store will create about300 jobs and provide grocery options to the surroundingneighborhoods. The new supercenter will feature fresh produce,meat, and dairy products, and a pharmacy, along with a wideassortment of quality, value-priced merchandise.