jstevens@observer-reporter.com
WAYNESBURG - The cars kept coming Wednesday, one after another up the winding road known as Murtha Drive.
Drivers turned into the huge lot, going up and down aisles looking for the ideal parking place. It was 6:30 a.m., 30 minutes before a ribbon-cutting that would signal the long-awaited grand opening of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Franklin Township.
Yet, the atmosphere had a Black Friday feel to it. Potential shoppers were standing in the dark, jockeying for positions close to the front doors. There was some chatter about going directly to the plasma TV section, with shoppers hoping for some great bargains, no doubt.
Glenda Watson of Clarksville, a loyal Wal-Mart shopper who has had to do her shopping at the Washington store, was elated it took her just 15 minutes to get to this Wal-Mart.
"I won't be looking for anything in particular," she said. "Just the bargains."
And Brenda Stone of Bobtown, who showed up with her two grandchildren in tow, said she has had to shop at the Morgantown, W.Va., Wal-Mart, and this one will be much more convenient.
"What I like about Wal-Mart," she said, "are the prices, the quality and the friendly staff, and I think this is a wonderful thing for Greene County's economy."
The retail store employs approximately 330 associates, mostly full time.
While he didn't plan to make any purchases Wednesday, being at the opening of this store had special meaning for Commissioner Dave Coder.
A strong proponent for establishing a retail presence in the county, Coder never swayed from his position that a major retailer would locate here.
"This is a day we have worked a long time to put together," he said. "We have had to overcome quite a few hurdles and obstacles to get this done. This is a great day."
Ronny Hayes, a Wal-Mart regional vice president, told the crowd that "grand openings never get old," and he described the Waynesburg store as the first of its kind, unique in its concept.
"This store, which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will offer a faster, friendlier and cleaner shopping experience," Hayes said.
The 153,430-square-foot store features a full line of groceries, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products and fresh produce. There are more than 30 merchandise departments such as apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, a lawn and garden center with drive-through loading area, health-and-beauty aids and a full line of electronics.
Convenience services include a pharmacy, digital photo processing center and Wal-Mart Connect Center. Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant, SmartStyle Family Hair Care salon and Woodforest National Bank branch.
Marcy Sloneker, market manager, tried to diffuse a widely held notion that when a Wal-Mart moves in a ghosttown is left behind.
"We are not in the business to put anyone out of business," said the Greene County native. "We are here to bring more people into the area and to uphold our motto, 'Save money and live better.'"