Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Monday announced plans to open a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Panorama City, the second one of its type in Los Angeles County.

The 31,000 square-foot store will be located at the site of a former Valley Foods Warehouse at Vannord Center. The company expects to employ about 60 people at the 14530 Nordhoff St. location. Construction is underway and a grand opening is expected by the end of the year.

The Neighborhood Market, a smaller format than a standard Walmart Discount Store or Walmart Supercenter, will feature a wide variety of fresh food and dry goods, as well as a pharmacy and household items.

“We continue to think Walmart can be part of the solution here in Los Angeles when it comes to economic development and expanded access to fresh food,” said Steven Restivo, Walmart senior director of community affairs, in a statement. “Our Panorama City store is the appropriate size and scale for the neighborhood, serves a real need and will hopefully serve as a magnet for other businesses.”

The Bentonville, Ark. retail giant has had challenges gaining a foothold in Los Angeles, facing stiff opposition from neighborhood groups and organized labor. It operates only seven stores in the area, including a Discount Store in Panorama City. The company in February announced plans to open a Neighborhood Market at the edge of Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles. That location is expected to open early next year.

It also is seeking to open a Supercenter in Burbank at the site of a closed home furnishings store.