VIDEO: Walmart Neighborhood Market Manager Says 'We're Here to Serve Our Customers'

Employees at the new Walmart Neighborhood Market showed pride before they opened for business Wednesday morning on Highway 111 and City Councilmember Jean Benson said it's a boon to have "a great community store here in the heart of Palm Desert."

The new location is the first of its kind in Riverside County, and the business will employ 65 full-time and part-time associates, according to Walmart. Regular store hours will be 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 7:30 a.m. Jan 15 and the new store at Fred Waring Drive and the 111 opened for business just before 8 a.m.

Store manager Richard Beserra, who began his Walmart career in 2002 and most recently worked at the La Quinta Walmart, welcomed the public and emphasized, "We're here to serve our customers."

For more from the opening Wednesday morning see:

VIDEO: Marching Aztecs at Walmart Neighborhood Market Opening

First Walmart Neighborhood Market in County Debuts in Palm Desert