Patrons lined up at the brand-new Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, at 1422 W. Oglethorpe Highway in Hinesville, Wednesday morning, hoping to be the first ones in during the store’s grand opening.
Store manager Dennis Parrott greeted the patrons waiting in line and said he was thankful to be accepted into the community.
“This has been an adventure and something I will always remember. … I love you guys. … You guys are my extended family,” Parrott said. “We are here to serve our community and our customers, and I assure you that our management team is fully committed to doing so.”
Members of the East Liberty County American Legion Post 321 and the Hinesville Vietnam Veterans of America Post
789 helped usher in the new store. The VVA unfolded and raised the store’s new American flag while Travis Brown played the national anthem on his saxophone.
The Rev. Katrina Deason of Liberty County Manna House offered an invocation, saying the community was blessed with new jobs and a continued partnership with Wal-Mart. She asked the Lord to watch over the new market and its employees and family. She added that she wished for success and longevity for the business.
Parrott briefly introduced his staff and, with the assistance of Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Charles Frasier, the ribbon was cut and the doors opened to receive customers.
“I want to thank the team from Wal-Mart for being here and establishing this business. … It is amazing that this has come together so quickly,” Thomas said shortly before cutting the ribbon. “They have brought new business here to Hinesville, and we are very appreciative of it. Wal-Mart is a good corporate partner, and they have always helped us do things for our city, our military, and our veterans and for the people who really need our help.”
People flocked into the new store. The polished concrete floors opened into rows of fully stocked grocery aisles.
“We are a little different than big brother, our Supercenter,” Parrott said as he compared the neighborhood market to the bigger store at 755 W. Oglethorpe Highway. “We pride ourselves on being convenient, quick in and quick out. We are a smaller store based on our format, we provide friendly service, and we our involved with our community.”
The store offers a variety of grocery items, household cleaners, pet food items, health items and a pharmacy. The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pharmacist Francisco Marrero said customers wishing to use the Neighborhood Market’s pharmacy can transfer their prescriptions.
“It is a very simple process,” he said. “Just call us and give us your name and date of birth, and we will take care of the rest. If you are currently using our Supercenter, that is a smooth transition done electronically.”
The pharmacy has a drive-up window service. Marrero said people can get their prescriptions as well as certain over-the-counter and health-related items through the drive-thru.
The gas station in front of the store is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parrott said the concept and planning for the store started in November. Ground was broken in February, and he moved to Hinesville in May to prepare for the opening. He’s been with Wal-Mart for more than eight years and started as an overnight hourly associate in Jacksonville, Florida.
“The store employs four assistant managers, five hourly supervisors, two support managers and over 100 employees,” he added.
“Thank the Lord for what is happening today,” Deason said during her invocation. “Father, we thank you for bringing us new jobs and new opportunities here today. Father, we ask that you bless this endeavor.”