After three months of remodeling, Walmart celebrated its reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Oct. 22, at 340 Norman Drive.

Valdosta Walmart employees revealed lively and energetic spirits as they shared with the community the store’s updated layout.

Mickey Fendley, store manager, felt “fantastic” about the morning’s celebration and a “big relief” that the store’s remodel was complete.

The new and improved setup is going to benefit the Valdosta community, he said, because “the layout is really customer friendly.”

Fendley was also appreciative of the community as he thanked them for attending the reopening event.

“I would like to thank everybody for showing up this morning,” he said.

Shortly after the remodel started, Karen Youstin, market manager, began working at the Valdosta Walmart.

“It’s been, actually, the most interesting, wonderful experience,” she said.

During the remodel, Youstin was worried at times. However, she said that Fendley always said, “Don’t worry. Don’t worry.”

“I thank you Mickey and your team more than I can say,” she said. “You did a lot.”

Youstin went on to thank the Valdosta community.

“You got around, you found your things, you stayed with us,” she said. “I want to thank you all.”

To assist with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Fendley invited store associates that have been working at the store since it opened in 1986.

Most of the charter associates, he said, have been employed at the Valdosta Walmart since the beginning and as the store has moved three times.

“I thought it’d be fitting that they were involved with the ribbon cutting,” Fendley said.

Fendley also spent time introducing the Walmart management team, market team, remodel team, visiting managers from other locations and other employees as people recognized them and cheered them on.

During the celebration, Fendley presented $500 grants from the Walmart Foundation to nine organizations — the Valdosta Police Department, Valdosta Fire Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Second Harvest of South Georgia, Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, Westside Elementary School, Lowndes County Fire Rescue, Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School.

Lowndes High School students also participated in the ceremony with ROTC members opening the ceremony with a flag entrance and the cheerleading squad closing with a Walmart cheer.

Following the ribbon cutting, customers entered to win giveaways throughout the store, such as makeup, hair products, a portable grill, a toy car and more.

New layout improves customer experience

The remodeled Valdosta store features a more open shopping environment. Walmart also aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently, making it quicker to purchase everyday items.

“The new layout is easier to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for necessities,” said Fendley.

Among the changes, Walmart has combined the Site-to-Store pick-up location and photo lab into a single area at the rear of the store. Customers now have ready access to these services as well as associates who can provide assistance as needed.

A bright interior paint scheme and enhanced lighting create a more inviting shopping experience and help define the store’s merchandise areas. Low-profile shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage helps customers find the products they need.

Expanded departments add value and savings

The remodel also brings Walmart customers an expanded electronics department featuring a wide selection of the latest consumer electronics and home entertainment. The new design includes a more hands-on experience for customers with interactive displays for hi-definition Blu-ray, video gaming and portable electronics. The interactive experience enables shoppers to test new technology.

A new department called Celebration Station has been added and will feature party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap.