Walmart celebrates completion of store remodeling in Albion
Photos by Tom Rivers: Walmart officials and leaders of the store in Albion, including store manager Cherry Hodge with scissors, cut the ribbon to mark the completion of a store remodeling.
ALBION – The employees at the Albion Walmart were in a celebratory mood this morning as the store completed a remodeling that began in March.
The store has completed its first major revamping since it opened in June 2006 at 13858 State Route 31.
The Walmart put in new freezers and coolers, replaced every shelf, put in new registers, fixture and did a new layout for the store. Walmart also expanded with a new building dedicated to its online shoppers. That side of the business has grown since the Covid pandemic hit about five years ago.
The store also was repainted and rebranded. Most of the work happened at night.
“It’s beautiful,” said Cherry Hodge, the store manager since 2010. “It needed it. The customers deserve it.”
Cherry Hodge, store manager, is pleased with the bright new look inside the Albion Walmart.
The Albion Walmart has 180 employees. Hodge and Walmart leaders recognized 16 of those employees who have been with the store since it opened more than 19 years ago.
“This is a good store with good associates,” Hodge said. “We work together as a team. Walmart is a great company to work for. They’re good to their people.”
John Emery, market manager for Walmart, praised the employees and customers for their patience during the remodeling.
He presented a certificate of appreciation to Hodge, who he said was often at the store at 3 or 4 a.m. during the remodeling process.
Nicole Wilson, a coach at the Albion Walmart, highlighted many of the employees for their extra efforts during the remodeling.
Walmart presented a $5,000 check to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Cherry Hodge and John Emery, right, of Walmart present a ceremonial check to Don Draper, the undersheriff.
Walmart also is giving $1,500 to the Albion Fire Department. The AFD was represented by, from left: Dawn Marciszewski, Robert Toman, Allyson Irwin and Catrina Bias.
Chis Lazarou, store manager of the Lockport Walmart, attended the celebration today and led the group in the Walmart cheer, which puts customers first. Lazarou said some of the Lockport employees helped in Albion during the remodel.
“We all support each other,” he said about the Walmart stores and employees.
Many of the Albion Walmart employees gathered for a group photo after the ceremony this morning inside the store.
