The Fergus Falls Super Walmart expansion will be completed by August, according to store manager, Tim Bosworth.
While heavy rain in October caused a delay with finishing the front parking lot, construction crews are working at top-speed to complete the facility on time. “We are currently on track to have our general merchandise departments completed by late June, and expect to have the grocery store set and open in August”, said Bosworth.
Next week, there are plans to set 13 new checkouts in their permanent location. The new checkouts will be located at the west store entrance. Thirteen of the planned 26 checkouts will be installed by the beginning of next week. When the project is completed, Walmart will boast eight self-checkouts, eight speedy checkouts (20 items, or less), nine traditional checkouts, as well as a smoke shop.
Other amenities planned for the Fergus Falls location include a Subway franchise, a Short Style salon, as well as room for an additional tenant, which has yet to be named.
If you’ve made a venture into the soon-to-be-completed Supercenter, you may have noticed that the grocery section has been moved, at least temporarily. When the new facility is completed, the current grocery section will basically become a full-fledged grocery store, which will be called the Market. A full deli and bakery will also occupy this area of the new store, which will include fresh meats, decorated cakes, pastries, baked breads, as well as other common deli and bakery items.
The Fergus Falls Walmart will soon be the one-stop-shop for many residents near and far.
Closely located to the Market will be the store’s pharmacy; which is already operating at its new location. In addition to groceries and the pharmacy, their toiletries, as well as all of the other consumables at the store, will be located in or near the east side addition.
Emphasis on customer experience was a top-priority for store officials when planning this expanded, and updated facility.
The store design calls for additional customer space, rather than crowded aisles, which will make a great experience for shoppers at the Fergus Falls store.
For example, when you walk into the store from the main entrance, you’ll be able to see the greatly expanded electronics department, located towards the back of the store.
With two separate entrances, one being the Home & Living area, where general merchandise will be located, and the other being Market & Pharmacy, where their consumable products are, customers will be able to get what they need — quickly.
A new feature that Walmart has implemented around the country is called a solution center. With multiple departments together, customers will be able to get everything that they’re looking for in one area of the store. For example, there will be a celebration center, which will include greeting cards, seasonal merchandise, and party supplies all in one section.
The photo lab, including self-kiosks, will no longer be in the electronics department once the Supercenter is complete. Instead, they’ll conveniently be located by the main check out area, towards the front of the store. In addition to the self-kiosks for printing digital pictures, there will be two Walmart.com kiosks. At these kiosks, customers who weren’t able to find a particular item within the Supercenter can order them on a Walmart.com kiosk – and have it delivered to the Fergus Falls store – for no additional charge.
With over 50,000 square feet of additional space, and bounds of new merchandise, Walmart will be hiring many new employees. Bosworth expects, at minimum, the Fergus Falls store will hire at least 100 more associates. That number would bring the total number of associates working at the Fergus Falls store up to around 250.
Tim Bosworth is excited that Walmart will continue to help maintain Fergus Falls’ status as a regional retail center, as well as assist with further growth of our community.
The store manager was quick to point out that since Walmart arrived in Fergus Falls 19 years ago, other national retailers were soon to follow – such as Target, Fleet Farm, and Home Depot. “Your new Fergus Falls Walmart Supercenter will draw business to the community from those that would otherwise travel to Supercenter Walmart’s in Detroit Lakes, Alexandria, Wadena, Wahpeton, Dilworth, and the two locations in Fargo!” Bosworth said.
Soon to follow???? Fleet Farm was in Fergus Falls in the late 60′s-early 70′s.
I’m thinking they were referring to when Fleet did their big expansion/addition to their current building????
No, it says “Since Walmart arrived in Fergus Falls 19 years ago, others were soon to follow”