LIVINGSTON, Texas – The Walmart in Livingston, Polk County, is scheduled to reopen Friday after shutting down for more than six months .
On April 13 employees of the store located on West Church Street learned the store would close for repairs. "Oh my goodness there were so many women that were just crying because we didn't know what was going to happen," said Janelle Sunday, who works at the store.
Fortunately Sunday and most of her coworkers were able to transfer to other area Walmart stores. For Sunday that meant driving more than 40 miles one way for work. Now she and most of her coworkers will return to their original location in Livingston. "I'm very happy because I'm only 21 miles from here," Sunday said.
While the pharmacy remained open since April, the rest of the store was closed for plumbing repairs and extensive upgrades. Employees on site Thursday said they have already noticed the changes. "They got new signs and pretty much everything in the store is new," said one employee.
Customers are also breathing a sigh of relief. A staple store in their community and all of its convenience is now back and better than before. "Once I got off work I couldn't just run up to Walmart to pick up items I need. I'd have to go out of town or go to a different store," said Casey Long.
A Walmart spokesperson says the Livingston store will employ between 400 and 450 people. Employees who worked there before the shutdown were hired at their same rate of pay or higher if they were rehired to the same job. Walmart is also honoring the original hire dates for any employee who is re-hired.
In a statement, a Walmart representative said: "We have heard from many in the community that they are eager to shop at our store once again. All the repairs are complete and we made extensive upgrades and renovations throughout the store that better reflects the shopping experience our customers now want. We thank the community for their patience during this time and we look forward to seeing you soon."
The Walmart on Church Street and State Highway 59 / Interstate 69 will reopen Friday at 8 a.m.