New Wal-Mart on track for January '05 grand opening

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
Franklin County's newest attraction will be opening soon, and with it comes a boost to everyone from shoppers to merchants to the entire economy.
A new 169,000 square feet Wal-Mart Supercenter is scheduled to open in January on Highway 43 South in Russellville. The store will include a pharmacy, bank, hair care center, vision center and a snack bar.
The Russellville supercenter will not have a restaurant inside, but it will include a large grocery area and deli.
The project, which began in mid-May, is being constructed by Nearen Construction of Cullman. Nearen has built hundreds of Wal-Mart stores across the southeast and according to job superintendent Roger Holmes, the Russellville project has gone smoothly.
Nearen is responsible for the entire project until the store is officially turned over to the Wal-Mart corporation.
For residents who hoped to be able to do their Christmas shopping in the new building, you will have to wait a little longer.
The completion of the building is set for Nov. 29. Wal-Mart will begin moving in on Dec. 6 with a grand opening set for sometime in early to mid January.
The supercenter will also feature a gas station that will provide Murphy oil. The station is located in the front parking lot and will be easily accessible from Highway 43.
The supercenter will offer a wide selection of items that include clothes, groceries, household items and pet supplies as well as a garden center.
It will also be a boost to the local economy as several new employees will be hired.
According to Wal-Mart representatives, applications for the new store can be picked up at the current location or through the employment office in downtown Russellville.