By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

HOME Depot, one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers, has broken ground on the site of its new store on Guam.
The store’s sprawling facility will total 133,000 square feet of retail house and garden space on property adjacent to the A.B. Won Pat International Airport.
According to the governor’s office, a building path has been cleared and regulatory processes have been completed, paving the way for the full construction of the new store.
Gov. Felix P. Camacho, who led the groundbreaking yesterday, said the opening of Home Depot is an indicator of the international business community’s bullish attitude about Guam.
“Home Depot is a great sign for Guam as it continues the trend of diversifying the many things we have to offer our community,” Camacho said.
He added that the opening of the giant retailer will make more resources available for local homeowners and businesses.
“This also creates more opportunities for employment and more importantly, Home Depot represents just how strong our island is growing each day,” the governor said.
Home Depot is the third largest international retailer and second largest retailer in the U.S., with more than 2,100 stores worldwide.
The Guam branch is scheduled to open its doors by the end of the year and is part of the corporation’s plan to open more than 400 stores throughout the world.
Hiring for Home Depot employees on Guam is scheduled to begin six to seven weeks before its grand opening.
Aside from hiring 200 rank and file employees, Home Depot is also looking at hiring local managers.
Home Depot was founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia and has since become one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers, operating more than 2,000 stores.
It is credited with having revolutionized the home improvement industry by offering an unparalleled selection of products and services under one roof.