Walmart remodel project underway

Katie Peterson
Posted 9/15/17

More self checkout aisles being added.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Walmart remodel project underway

Posted

ROCHELLE –– Walmart is known for the store’s commitment to providing low prices every day on everything. That same commitment goes to keeping the store modern and providing the customers with the shopping experience they want.

Rochelle Walmart is currently under construction as the store is working to provide customers with a more modern shopping experience in town.
The biggest change customers see when they walk into the store is the expansion of self-checkout aisles. The store previously had a small selection of self-checkout aisles and customers would line up to scan their own items. Due to the popularity, store manager Jim Hager has expanded the self-checkout option. The store now has nine self-checkout stations.
While most customers choose self-checkout to purchase one or two items, two aisles have been added with a belt for self checkout scanning.
“Self-checkouts are very popular and the fastest way for customers to get through check-outs,” explained Hager. “Many times we had a line at the self-checkout aisles.”
Additional associates have been added to assist customers with self-checkout.
According to Hager the belted self-checkouts are already very popular and store associates have received positive feedback.

Walmart tries to remodel each store every five to seven years and a lot of new corporate changes came out after the Rochelle Super Walmart opened.
“As a company, they are constantly looking to keep stores fresh and relevant,” explained Hager.
The Rochelle construction is expect to last through mid-October as many areas of the store are getting a face-lift. At first the changes maybe confusing to customers as items have been moved around in the department. Once customers find what they are looking for they should find the changes make an easier shopping experience.
Hager explained certain departments have been rearranged to add additional items and in other cases to provide an easier shopping experience.
When shoppers first walk into Walmart they will notice brighter lights above the produce department. On the opposite side of the store, the toy department was expanded and the local store now offers two times the bike selection. Farther back, the workshop and tool department has been expanded and now compressors, tools, workbenches and toolboxes are available.
The highlight of the remodel for Hager, and the biggest change in the store, is the electronics department. For customers looking to buy a new device or phone, they now have the option to interact on the device prior to making a purchase. Three rows of interactive displays have been set up in front of the electronics department featuring tablets, phones and laptops. Along with the interactive displays, the department has been expanded to carry new merchandise including iPhones and iPads.
“Customers will now be able to purchase items here they previously had to leave town to find,” explained Hager of the expanded electronics selection.
The store’s photo lab has been moved back to the electronics department from the customer service department up front.
As the construction continues, shoppers will notice additional changes in the store and a new cosmetic department coming soon.
In the food section, customers with dietary restrictions will have more options for gluten free meals. A gluten free line has been added to the freezer section.
In the front of the food department, the deli is expanding to include cold salads and entrees. The bakery is also under construction to make the section easier for shoppers to navigate and a single serve donut display has been added as regular items.
Lastly, the entire store will be repainted and new signage and graphics will be added around the departments.
“The construction will continue for a few weeks,” stated Hager. “We understand this is confusing for customers now but it is an exciting change for the store.”
Twenty local employees were hired for the construction and thirty additional employees were brought in from Walmart to help with the remodel.