Customers crowd into the new Albany Walmart opening day. by Amanda Hayden
The parking lot had only a few cars, and was empty of people at 7:30a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. For some reason, it was a little surprising, considering all the excitement Walmart had advertised for its grand-opening ceremonies at that exact date and time.
Upon closer examination, just inside one of the doorways, there were a few hundred people, surrounded by sprays of balloons. There were three obvious groups of people, and their dress defined their station that day. The customers were in their every-day attire. All standard Walmart employees had on the bright blue t-shirts and name tags. Then there were the higher-ups for Walmart, Albany area organizations, and other official-looking people.
It is obvious Walmart has been through an event such as this before; the Albany Walmart Supercenter grand opening was as seamless as one could imagine.
The store had pre-arranged for all of the blue-shirted employees to stand in a horse shoe shape, probably for a variety of reasons. It is safe to say they probably didn’t want shoppers easily sneaking by before the registers and doors were even manned. More importantly, it was obvious to the average ceremony attendee that there were plenty of employees available to help celebrate and tend to the needs of their new customers.
While at the podium to welcome new business into the community, Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa said, “We’re not just a little spot on the map in Oregon.” She went on to explain that this is just a part of the area’s natural transition from a farming community, into one of the state’s important notable places.
Janet Steele, Albany Area Chamber of Commerce president, had only positive expectations for the new store; “Not only will the additional shopping and employment opportunities now be a permanent fixture in our area, but the corporation also put many financial improvements into the area, including their store and the local traffic upgrades. The yearly property tax income alone will be another contribution to our area.”
After donations were announced, and handed out, to 10 area organizations, it was smooth sailing on to the final part of the quick opening ceremony. Albany Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, most of whom are current area business owners, along with Race Robbins, cut the ceremonial ribbon. This opened up shopping to all customers.
Upon first glance, the customer might notice a slightly darker appearance to an empty shopping area, but once entered, the motion-sensor LED lights click on, and you’re in business. It is this energy efficiency focus that is of utmost importance to Walmart.
Aside from the generous contributions made during the ceremony, there were also plenty of free drawings around the store, for items such as: an elliptical machine, an xbox 360, a baby crib, and a mountain bike.
David Fuller, the Walmart market manager for areas ranging from South Salem to Eugene, is “very proud of the energy efficiency example this new store has, and the fact that the store will have the improved price and selection area residents can take advantage of 24 hours a day.”
One of the new store’s employees, Devin Monfils, has been cross-training through the many departments (a skill Walmart prides itself on) for three months, traveling to various stores. He said “it will be great to have less of a commute each day.”
For the upcoming Superbowl weekend, Tony the Tiger will also be at the store to welcome customers, as a special treat. The store is well-stocked, well-staffed, and ready to show Albany what it has to offer.
