This is something that our little community has been waiting for!
I was very excited to get the opportunity to experience the Grand Opening festivities for Store #7009, in Richlands, NC. My family even came along with me to the Friends and Family Preview night! The store was open to friends and family of the employees to show off their new store, and what a store it is!
The new Walmart, located at 349 Kinston Hwy, in Richlands, is approximately 156,000 square feet and brings over 300 full and part time jobs to Richlands. It features General Merchandise, as well as a full line of groceries, including fresh produce, Bakery, full service deli, prepared meal options, and organic/natural selections. Besides the store items, this location also has Site to Store/Pick Up Today (located in customer service at the front of the store), a GAS STATION, Drive-thru pharmacy, Marine Federal Credit Union, Vision Center (conveniently located next to the pharmacy), Smart Style Hair Salon, and it’s the only Walmart in the area to also have an Auto Care Center!
Check out my slideshow showing off the store on Friends & Family Night!
The next morning, I was up bright and early for the Grand Opening Ceremony and Festivities. I had no idea what to expect since I had never experienced a Grand Opening of any kind before. This was truly a lot of fun to be a part of! The morning started off with the Walmart Cheer! I mean… with so many excited employees there, how could it not? Next we were treated to some music from the Richlands High School Marching band. They did a great job, and even had a few employees dancing around!
Store Manager, Melody Walsh began the ceremony by introducing several people who had a part in this store coming together… Next up were two employees who sang our National Anthem while our flag was raised over the store for the first time. A pastor from a local church said a prayer over the store, and then we were on to community giving.
This grand-opening celebration included presentations of grants from Walmart to quite a few local community groups, including Richlands Community Outreach and the USO for the Wounded Warriors.
Finally, it was time for the ribbon cutting, and the store was officially open for business!
I walked around the store for a bit and captured some customers shopping and employees that were super excited for the store to get moving! The store was full of smiles on everybody! I can tell you that I am very excited to have this store so close to home.
Couldn’t make it out for the Grand Opening? It’s ok!!! I have a bunch of great photos here for you in the video slideshow below. Check it out!
I hope you enjoy this new store as much as I have so far! If you have any questions about the store, let me know!
