Walmart has secured approval for a major expansion of its Route 37 West store that will increase grocery offerings and support its growing online ordering operation
The Township Planning Board granted preliminary and final site plan approval for a 48,190-square-foot addition on the western side of the building. The existing store contains 131,726 square feet, including its garden center.
The expansion will increase the store’s footprint by more than one-third. A portion of the new space will enlarge the grocery department, while another area will serve as a staging location for online pickup and delivery orders.
Representatives for Walmart said the project will also modernize the store, improve its interior layout and add signs to help customers navigate the property.
Plans include upgrades to the parking lot and designated areas for customers retrieving online purchases.
The company also received several bulk variances involving parking setbacks, building coverage, signs and landscaping.
The Route 37 location is one of five Walmart stores in Ocean County. A construction schedule and anticipated completion date have not been announced.
