By Michael Pineda
mpineda@cherryroad.com
You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression.
Wednesday morning, Albertsons took full advantage of its opportunity. The grocery store opened its doors to the public and hosted a ribbon cutting during which it donated thousands of dollars to the community.
“I am so excited to be here today in Ardmore, which is not only the county seat but also home to the one and only Albertsons store, as of this morning,” Albertsons Director of Communications and Public Relations Christy Lara said. “As Ardmore and the surrounding communities continue to grow, Albertsons is excited to grow right along with you and we have put together a store with unparalleled quality in mind and we are hoping you will be proud to call this your Albertsons store.”
The store, which is located at 1855 12th Ave., employs over 300, which is typical for an Albertsons store of its size Lara said.
Mayor Nancy Sjulin talked about the development of the project including a study in 2018 which indicated a new grocery store was at the top of the retail wish list for the community.
“Today, we have not only met that need, we have hit a home run with Albertsons becoming part of our community,” she said. “I would like to recognize the dedication of a particular commissioner, Sheryl Ellis. Over three years ago, as mayor, she and our City Manager Kevin Boatright went to Hurst, Texas to discuss this grocery store with the Burk Collins Company and Albertsons.”
Sjulin along with other city commissioners and city leaders got an advance tour of the store Tuesday afternoon and were impressed and excited about the new addition to the community. Sjulin said you immediately notice the flowers and beautiful aroma followed by the fruit, vegetables, delis and charcuterie offerings.
“It is just amazing the things that you will see, the ready to pick-up items,” she said. “Just take your time and go slow. You will be tired about half-way through but don’t worry. There is a Starbucks right here.”
The Ardmore band, pom squad and cheerleaders set the tone for the ribbon cutting. Among the donations presented by Albertsons was $5,000 each to Ardmore High School and the Ardmore City Schools Education Foundation. The Food & Resource Center of South Central Oklahoma received a $5,000 donation and was also announced Albertsons’ partner in the Fresh Rescue Food Program.
Community Youth Services of Southern Oklahoma also received a $5,000 donation and the Ardmore Fire and Police Departments will receive gift cards to purchase food.
Store Director Luis Mejia introduced his leadership team and talked about the weeks of preparation that led to the opening of the store. He said his team was relentless in making sure that everything was stocked and cleaned for the grand opening.
“It takes a lot of work to open a brand-new store,” he said. “It takes a team that is relentless to get your store ready. They have certainly made my job easier, and I am grateful to have them.”
Albertsons hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily. Those visiting on the first day received a free 10-pound bag of potatoes along with other specials throughout the store.
“I am extremely happy,” Boatright said. “It has been a long time coming. This is a great grocery store. We are proud to have it. We are proud that we have this offering now for the citizens of Ardmore. It has been a lot of time and effort spent over the last four-plus years to get to today. I am so grateful to the elected officials that we have that have supported this and made this possible for Ardmore.”
