CLEARLAKE ? Clearlake Wal-Mart celebrated its Re-Grand Opening on Wednesday. The store recently underwent an extensive remodeling project that began on April 5. The store received a full remodel from the inside out that represents the latest in Wal-Mart”s store design and customer experience.
“It was a wonderful turnout,” Coleen Lee, Wal-Mart community coordinator said.
The Middletown Majorettes helped kick off the celebration in their colorful red, white and blue uniforms while the Boy Scouts presented the flag. Lower Lake High School (LLHS) Drama Instructor Traci Lahr provided the vocals for the event, singing a spectacular version of the National Anthem.
The Re-Grand Opening event included presentation of donations to several local organizations. Grants for $1000 apiece from the Wal-Mart Foundation were presented to the Clearlake Police Department”s K9 program, Community Care Management Corporation (a division of Community Care HIV/AIDS Program), LLHS Drama Program, Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Parents and Community for Kids, of Middletown. Lakeshore Lions and Lioness clubs each received $1000 as well.
Wal-Mart”s new design is based on feedback from customers. The store has a bright new look with wider aisles, low-profile shelving, a bright interior paint scheme and easy-to-read signage to help customers find the products they need.
“We love the wood floors, the wide aisles and the photo is all digital now,” Lee said. “Wal-Mart has been eliminating the fabric departments but due to community response we were able to keep ours for our customers. We”ve put it here next to what we call our Celebration Department, which has been expanded.”
The sporting goods department has grown as well. “We expanded sporting goods to help all those fisherman out there because that”s one of our strongest departments,” Lee said.
Verizon Wireless also has more customer services space. “This store was the 2008 Verizon Wal-Mart Location of the Year,” Joe Schlabach, national indirect representative for Verizon said. “That means of all the Wal-Marts across the country, this one in Clearlake was No. 1.”
Every department of the store has been renovated to include new shelving, signage, flooring and product assortment. The new layout design is made to make shopping for everyday items easier and faster by aligning the products customers purchase most. Maps of the store”s new layout are available from greeters at the front entrance.
