Super Center to open Wednesday

By Staff
Jason Houston FCT Managing Editor
After years of speculation about its arrival, and months of construction, Russellville's new Super Wal-Mart will open Wednesday.
The store will have a grand opening ceremony open to the public Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 7 a.m.
The new, 169,000-square-foot facility is located on U.S. 43 South in Russellville across from the Speedy Pig restaurant. It replaces the old Wal-Mart, located on U.S. 43 North.
The new Super Center will not have a McDonald's restaurant inside, as is the case with other Super Centers, but will have a snack bar, a pharmacy, a Valley State Bank branch, hair care center, vision center and a car care facility. The store will also have a large grocery area and deli.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett told the FCT that when the new store opens, police would patrol the area to keep people from parking on the curb at the front of the store in the fire lane area.
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.
The completion of the building took place on Nov. 29. Wal-Mart began moving in on Dec. 6.
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.