Walmart celebrates completion of renovations

Business

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Photos by DEAN MANNING

September 15, 2009

by Dean Manning

After four months of moving and rearranging merchandise to meet the needs of customers, the ribbon was cut Wednesday morning on the new and improved London Walmart Supercenter.

“What takes most companies 12 months to do, took us 12 weeks,” Store Manager Christopher Dunn told a crowd of local dignitaries, London Walmart associates and shoppers who gathered to witness the ribbon cutting.

Thirteen of the first associates hired to work at the store when it opened in 1987 remain on the job today. As associate with the longest tenure, Rodney Ledger was given the honor of cutting the ribbon.

Remodeling began June 28. In addition to new paint on the interior and exterior, contractors included installed skylights to allow more natural lighting and reduce energy use.

“The lights will basically dim when the sun is bright,” Dunn said. “They will react to the skylights.”

In addition shorter shelving units replacing the 7-foot shelves will increase visibility and improve product accessibility.

The store layout is slightly different. However, groceries remain on the right side, clothing in the middle and the pharmacy and health and beauty are on the left side of the store. Toys aisles run down the left side of the store, leading to the automotive section. The expanded electronics area is the in back of the store, highlighted by a wall of televisions on the back wall.

London Mayor Troy Rudder said Walmart’s success is the result of a combination of quality, quantity and selection.

“They have everything you need at the price people are willing to give,” Rudder said.

In addition, Rudder thanked Walmart for the economic impact in London and Laurel County. In addition to the London Supercenter, Walmart has a supercenter in north Corbin and the Walmart Distribution Center on West KY 80.

“Thank you for the impact you have made on our community,” Rudder said.

Staff writer Dean Manning may be reached at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.