The Walmart Supercenter at SR-44 & Waxman Drive opened on March 4, 2026, following months of construction. Here’s how the grand opening day unfolded.

Walmart SR-44 Grand Opening – March 4, 2026

Grand Opening Timeline

With gift card giveaways, celebrity appearances, and live entertainment scheduled throughout the day, opening morning is expected to draw significant crowds at the new SR-44 Walmart location.

Those planning to attend may want to arrive early, especially if hoping to be among the first 300 customers in line.

Opening Timeline: From Construction to Grand Opening

The new Walmart Supercenter at SR-44 & Waxman Drive officially opened on March 4, 2026. In the weeks before opening, the store moved through final stocking and preparation, detailed below.

Latest Update – February 2026

In the weeks leading up to opening, onsite activity increased noticeably. Traffic signals were activated, gas station signage illuminated, and the parking lot filled with employee vehicles as shelves were stocked.

An electronic roadside sign displayed “New Light Ahead”, signaling activation of the SR-44/Waxman Drive intersection serving the store entrance.

Opening day activities begin with the 7:30am ribbon cutting ceremony and continue throughout the afternoon and evening.

Earlier Construction Phase – January 2026

By January, the project appeared largely complete, with paving, striping, landscaping, and entrance traffic infrastructure finalized.

For traffic infrastructure details, see our Walmart SR-44 traffic light update and timeline.

Store Format and Location Details

Walmart describes this as part of its newer “store of the future” format, which typically includes updated checkout systems and expanded online pickup areas. The store complements the existing Walmart Supercenter on Wedgewood Lane, which serves north and central areas of The Villages.

What to Expect at the SR-44 Location

• Full Supercenter: groceries, pharmacy, clothing, electronics, and home goods
• Gas station: approximately 20 pumps
• Garden center: plants, outdoor décor, and lawn supplies
• Modern layout: updated checkout systems and expanded online pickup areas

Curious what it’s actually like inside? Read our firsthand visit and review of the SR-44 Supercenter.

Not Golf Cart Accessible

Unlike many Villages shopping areas, the new Walmart Supercenter at SR-44 & Waxman Drive is not golf cart accessible. Residents will need to access this location by car.

Neighborhoods Closest to the New Store

The store primarily serves southern Villages neighborhoods, including:

• Osceola Hills
• La Belle, Pine Hills, Charlotte, Dunedin
• Chitty Chatty corridor: Bradford, Hawkins, St. Catherine, Richmond, St. Johns

Existing Walmart on Wedgewood Lane

The existing Walmart Supercenter on Wedgewood Lane off CR 466 remains golf cart accessible and serves north and central Villages residents. The new SR-44 location primarily serves the southern expansion areas.

Major Retail Across The Villages

• Costco on CR 466 — cart accessible
• Target on CR 466A — cart accessible
• Walmart Supercenter on SR 44 — Open

Together, these retailers anchor shopping access across north, central, and southern areas of The Villages.

Learn More

For corporate information, visit corporate.walmart.com. We’ll continue updating this page with opening week observations and traffic updates.