Store undergoes major transformation

Published: February 19, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

One of Vernon’s largest retailers is about to get significantly bigger. Wal-Mart is moving ahead with a $12 million expansion of the 58th Avenue store from 105,000-square-feet to 140,000-square-feet. “The plan is to modernize the Vernon store and turn it into a super centre,” said Kevin Groh, director of corporate affairs. Similar to the recently opened outlet in Westbank, the Vernon store will have a full grocery department. “There will be fresh produce, fresh meat and on-site baked goods,” said Groh. The Vernon store first opened in 2001, and it was the largest Wal-Mart in the Okanagan until the Westbank outlet was unveiled late last year. Groh believes it makes sense to implement Wal-Mart’s new retail model in the North Okanagan now. “We’ve been looking at the markets where we operate and we consider whether groceries would be appreciated,” he said. “In Vernon, we see an opportunity to strength our business.”

He also believes such an expansion makes sense during the current recession when individuals and families are price conscious. “We’re a strong business and we’re continuing to grow. Economic woes bring people to our doorstep,” he said. Beyond the grocery department, the larger Wal-Mart will also include a new garden centre and modifications to the pharmacy and McDonalds restaurant. The present garden centre will be demolished. According to Groh, renovations of existing facilities are generally common when an expansion takes place. “It’s an opportunity to not only get bigger but get better,” he said. Construction is expected to begin in a few months, with the expanded space set for opening sometime in early 2010. The City of Vernon recently issued Wal-Mart a development permit and a building permit for the entire project. “The proposed building expansion and use in the expansion area, the revised parking area, the existing loading area and the revised landscaping conform to the zoning bylaw,” said Dale Rintoul, the city’s longtime planner. While there was considerable community debate about Wal-Mart moving into Vernon in 2001, Mayor Wayne Lippert says zoning dictates the expansion must go ahead. “We’re not in a position to say no,” he said, adding that he is confident local grocery stores will adapt and continue to operate. “We don’t want to see any businesses hurting but if they (Wal-Mart) want to expand and they believe there’s a market for it, that’s fair business.”