The new Walmart at the intersection of Brown Bridge and Salem roads has hired 282 workers and nearly completed its hiring.

 Store Manager Ron Tillman said Monday a handful of open positions must be filled before the store’s March 14 opening. About 90 percent of employees are from Newton County; 47 percent of jobs are full time and 53 percent are part time, he said.

 “It was actually a really good process. We had a large group of people to pull from, with the local economy being the way it is. There was a lot of raw talent, which is always good,” Tillman said.

 The store will have a Subway, a hair salon and an optical center. Positions hired include pharmacy associates and technicians, food associates, inventory control workers, departmental sales associates, receiving workers and clerical workers.

 The hiring center at Prospect United Methodist Church, 6752 Ga. Highway 212, Covington, will likely remain open for one more week, Tillman said. The hiring center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. People are encouraged to first apply online at walmartstores.com/careers, but those without Internet access can apply at the church. Follow-up interviews will be conducted at the church.

 The Walmart Supercenter will be 170,000 square feet. County Chairman Kathy Morgan said previously that the rule of thumb for an established supercenter - one that’s been open for three to five years - is that it will generate $1 million in revenue for each one percent of sales tax. Local officials hope the store keeps more sales tax revenue in Newton County, as opposed to being lost to neighboring Rockdale County.

 “We’re excited about the new store and can’t wait to service the people in the Newton and Rockdale,” Tillman said.