As everyone in this community knows, the local Walmart Superstore has undergone a transformation for the first time since the current store premises opened about 25 years ago. One of four team coaches at our local Walmart, Roy Mercer, appeared at the Winnfield Rotary Club meeting on September 18, to inform Rotarians of the improvements and changes to the store because of the remodeling, compliments of Rotarians Jeff Johnson and Bryan Kelley.

Although Mr. Mercer grew up in Kenner, LA, he has family connections in Winnfield through his father. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston in 2001 and has worked for Walmart ever since. Mercer has been at the Winnfield store most of his 23 years of service, although he has spent short times at other locations in Louisiana.

Mercer says the local Walmart store has about 150 employees in the normal course of business. During the remodel, however, Walmart added 50 to 70 temporary positions. Some of those temporary employees will become permanent associates. 

While the footprint of the Walmart building is the same as always, some departments or sections were increased in size while other less used sections, such as fabrics and photos, were reduced. All the floors were stripped to the original concrete which was sanded and refinished with a clear sealant. The Vision Center was eliminated, while the pharmacy area was expanded. The deli area is larger and more prepared products are available. The checkout area was expanded, and more self-checkout stations provided. The grocery area is more spacious, and certain product lines such as gluten-free foods were expanded. 

Because so many items have been moved, Mr. Mercer advised the group to download the Walmart app to assist them in locating items in the new layout. Location of most items in the store are currently on the app.

Delivery services are now offered, and 26 parking spaces are available for online grocery purchase and pickup.

The parking lot and entrances were completely re-paved, and the last improvement will be installation of a generator adequate to provide energy to the entire store in the event of a community power outage. The store will be able to remain open and provide shelter to anyone in the community in need of appropriate shelter during emergencies.

The Rotary meeting was adjourned as customary with the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”