Flint Journal (Michigan)

July 2, 2009 Thursday

A; Pg. 10

192 words

Fenton Wal-Mart adds meds, grocery

Eric Fish

efish@flintjournal.com

(810) 766-6328

FENTON - Area shoppers now have another outlet to fulfill their grocery and pharmaceutical needs.

The 52,000 square-foot expansion of the Fenton Wal-Mart, 3700 Owen, was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday. The Wal-Mart Supercenter now contains a full pharmacy and grocery center.

"It's just absolutely amazing," said Joe Barendse, store manager. "All the hard work and everything the associates put in really delivered a great product. We delivered what was right for the community."

The Supercenter took nearly a year to complete and cost $30 million. Barendse said the expansion provided an additional 120 jobs within the store.

"It's a really good investment to make in a difficult economic time like we're in now," said Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland. "It's a boost to the community. I think people are going to find it's a nice place to shop."

The Wal-Mart Supercenter will now provide competition to the area's two VG's stores. VG's has been a staple in the Fenton community since the 1960s.

"Competition makes us better," Barendse said.

The Wal-Mart Supercenter is open 6 a.m. to midnight.

July 2, 2009