It was going to happen. And in fact, it has. The new Walmart Puerto Peñasco is now open for business. The supercenter represents major change in the Mexican seaside resort town with a population of less than 75,000 residents.
Mayor Oscar Castro and other dignitaries were on hand for the December 2024 official ribbon cutting event. It came 3 weeks before Christmas. More people than not seem to view the Walmart in town as a timely and giant present from Santa Claus.
Where is Walmart in Puerto Peñasco Located?
The location of the Walmart Puerto Peñasco is between City Hall and the Las Conchas community. If you are traveling on Fremont Boulevard from the municipal complex and Mermaid Market, it will be visible on your left. Going this way, you will drive past popular spots such as Chef Mickey’s Restaurant, Bryan’s Sports Bar, and SDS Automotive The store is located on the West side of Josefa Boulevard just north of Fremont.
If you are staying with us at the Sonoran Sun Resort on Sandy Beach, allow for a 10-15 minute drive to get to Walmart.
First Impressions of Rocky Point’s Walmart
Yes, I saw some of the early online reviews of the Walmart Puerto Peñasco. They seemed quite positive. Furthermore, I heard first-hand accounts from some American women who went to the store and through the entire supercenter. Basically, they approached their first visits like shopping investigators. And I can tell you, all of them came away with enthusiastic thumbs up first impressions.
Still, I waited to write about the new Walmart until I got there in person myself.
I knew where the store was located. However, I was curious to see which way my gps would guide me. The Google Maps directions took me on a hilarious course of about 10 turns after crossing Benito Juarez Boulevard from Calle 13. It was dark, and had I not known the area, I might have been a bit concerned. Therefore, if you are going to Walmart from the Sonoran Sun or Sandy Beach, I suggest you use city hall as a landmark and drive the major Fremont Boulevard.
My First Walmart Experience
Going at night, I was impressed by the bright parking lot. Honestly, it was noticeably brighter than most I’ve seen in Arizona. Everyone can feel some sense of safety with this. Inside the store was equally well lit.
My first stop was the produce department. I found it bigger and better than shopping at the Super Ley. Wandering through sections for other food, clothes, and wide-ranging household items looked like what you might expect from Walmart in Mexico.
Other areas such as bakery, pharmacy, and electronics were good for Rocky Point. Need a big screen TV? You can probably find it here without bringing one from the U.S. and paying Mexican taxes crossing the border.
What didn’t impress me at the Walmart Puerto Peñasco was the patio furniture. Searching for items for a Sonoran Sun Resort balcony, might leave you disappointed. Meanwhile, the beer and liquor area is plentiful. However, the prices for booze seemed high for Rocky Point. No doubt management plans for alcohol sales to be big.
Walking Out of Walmart in Rocky Point
I’m staying positive. I’m well aware some “Mom & Pop” small businesses will be impacted by Walmart. However, I also understand the store created a couple hundred jobs. In addition, the greater selection offers more for local residents at generally affordable prices. It also delivers familiarity and convenience for American tourists who visit Rocky Point. All of these aspects carry value.
Plus, I can’t help but see the bigger picture here. There feels like a sense of pride with a Walmart Puerto Peñasco supercenter. It seems to symbolize the city has arrived and is growing. After all, the retail giant has proven it knows what it’s doing and where.
The great Walmart debate doesn’t need to be rehashed. The corporation’s successful retail model is here in Rocky Point Mexico. And like it or not, it is here to stay, for a while anyway.
