By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Hundreds of visitors packed the parking lot of the new Alabaster Walmart Market on the morning of Sept. 30 as the store opened its doors to customers for the first time.

But for the employees at the new store, the journey began weeks ago.

“This group of associates – It took a lot of hard work and a lot of people working in unison to make this happen,” Walmart Alabama Regional Manager John Tow told the crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “On behalf of Walmart, we are very humbled and honored to be here.”

Crews completed the 41,920-square-foot grocery store building, which also features a gas station in its parking lot, on Alabama 119 near its intersection with Fulton Springs Road several weeks ago. Once the structure was finalized, the rush was on to stock the store and prepare it for the grand opening, said store manager Jonathan Webb.

“Our associates have worked for several weeks to get the store ready for you, our customers,” Webb said, noting employees fully stocked the store in about a month. “We look forward to serving you as a great neighbor.”

Walmart Neighborhood Markets are smaller than the company’s Superstores, and primarily focus on grocery offerings, along with a pharmacy and limited selection of non-grocery items. The store will employ about 95 people, and came to Alabaster without financial incentives from the city.

During the grand opening ceremony, the Thompson High School marching band and choir performed for the crowd, and Boy Scout Troop 548 led the Pledge of Allegiance before City Councilman Rick Walters gave the invocation.

Before the store opened to the public, Walmart presented grants to Alabaster’s public schools and public safety departments. The Alabaster Police Department received a $1,312.50 grant, the city’s Fire Department received a $1,437.50 grant and Creek View Elementary, Meadow View Elementary, Thompson Intermediate School, Thompson Middle School, Thompson Sixth Grade Center and THS received $875 apiece.

“We are so happy to have Walmart Neighborhood Market here,” said Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon. “It’s nice to see national brands recognizing what Alabaster has.”