The Stanly News & Press (Albemarle, North Carolina)

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News

June 23, 2009 Tuesday

STATE AND REGIONAL NEWS

20090623-ZF-Store-opening-nears-0623

333 words

Store opening nears

Tiffany Thompson, The Stanly News & Press, Albemarle, N.C.

Jun. 23--After more than a year of construction, the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Locust will open July 15.

Crews have been working tirelessly to stock the store as the weeks begin to wind down for the much anticipated opening.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 4, 2008, which was approximately 13 months after Locust City Council approved the construction of the Supercenter.

WRS Realty of Aiken, S.C. was responsible for the undertaking of the project, which included clearing, grading and site construction.

Earlier in June, WRS Reality turned the store over to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., so everything is in place for the store opening.

A hiring drive took place in late April and May at the Stanly Community College Crutchfield Education Center.

Between 325 openings at the Locust location were filled and management anticipates filling approximately 40 more positions.

"The response has been outstanding. The manager is really excited," said Chris Neeley, a public relations representative for Wal-Mart.

"This is a great opportunity for the Locust community. The store is in a position to be a stimulus for them."

This city is also excited for the possibilities the new Wal-Mart Supercenter will bring to the city.

"We're excited for a major corporation like Wal-Mart to decide to locate in the city, especially in these difficult times. Not only will they be providing more jobs to the area, but they'll also be providing a low cost shopping option," said James Inman, city administrator.

Contact Tiffany Thompson at (704) 982-2121 ext. 24 or snaponline24@carolina.rr.com

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June 24, 2009