Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik, center, cuts a ceremonial ribbon with Scott Ring, center left, Walmart store manager, during a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the newly expanded Walmart store Wednesday morning. Joining the ceremony are Walmart associates and city officials.(Photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – An expansion to the Springfield Road Walmart was unveiled on Wednesday after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony that morning.
The expanded store, located on Route 20, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will continue to provide Whip City residents with one-stop shopping convenience for their grocery, general merchandise, and pharmacy needs.
The expansion adds around 54,000-square feet to the existing store and will allow for a larger selection of merchandise for customers, including a full line of groceries.
“Walmart has been a community partner providing local jobs since 1994 when the store originally opened.” said Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
Michelle Brooks-Thompson, right, of Amherst, a 2012 contestant on NBC’s The Voice, sings the National Anthem during the grand re-opening ceremony of the Westfield Walmart Wednesday. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
The Springfield Road Walmart hosted a family day Saturday afternoon to celebrate the expansion, a move which is estimated to create around 100 additional jobs.
“We had a great grand opening,” said Store Manager Scott Ring. “We’ve been getting a lot of positive comments from customers. They’re excited about the new and improved Walmart.”
Wednesday’s ribbon cutting included an appearance from The New England Patriots cheerleaders, along with Walmart donating $8,000 to several local community groups including the likes of the Carson Center and the city’s Chamber of Commerce, as Walmart will continue to support the Chamber’s pancake breakfasts.
Saturday’s family day event featured face painting and free giveaways.
Major upgrades to the store’s grocery section are among the many things customers are most excited about.
“The Westfield community now has another option for groceries. We now offer a full deli and meat section, as well as a bakery,” Ring said. “Customers have been asking for this and now they can enjoy convenient, one-stop shopping.”
“The turnout was fabulous,” Phelon said of Wednesday’s ribbon cutting. “It was a great ceremony for the expansion.”
Phelon thanked the company’s corporate leadership for “having a vision” and continuing to support the community, as well as adding jobs by becoming a SuperStore.
“Creating jobs supports the community and the Chamber,” she said. “Economic development is a win-win for everyone.”
