Ready to celebrate Monroe’s Walmart Supercenter Store No. 1790, a crowd gathered before 9 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at 2150 N. Telegraph Road.
The morning celebrated the reopening of the newly remodeled store, showcasing upgrades that reflect the company’s Store of the Future model.
The Monroe reopening is one of 15 planned for Michigan in 2026, and one of approximately 650 remodels across the U.S.
Store manager Sam Hinkle welcomed guests and celebrated associates that have been with the company for several years, followed by Walmart’s investment in the community with a presentation of grants to local organizations.
Recipients included $1,500 to Bobbie’s Staff, $1,000 to Children’s Miracle Network Beaumont, $2,500 to Gabby’s Grief Center and $520 to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Outside the store, a parade of activities like face painting and free samples were available for patrons. Joe Williams of Simply Photo Booths offered free photos.
Cecilia Boslet of Monroe and her four-year-old daughter Raniah McEntyre stopped by the store to buy a birthday cake and took part in the celebration.
“We really love the small town feel here in Monroe,” Boslet said. “We’re from Houston. It is such a good feel here.”
Duke Petting Farm from Temperance, Michigan brought a llama named Tony and a pony named Finn along with Lime, a brown goat and Chris, a sheep. Chickens, ducks and bunnies were also on hand.
Monroe residents Don Finley and Charles Wells arrived early to take part in the event.
“I come here just about every day,” Wells said. “I like shopping here and I like the employees. I love the remodel. It’s very organized and I like the bigger aisles. It reminds me of the store I go to in Ohio.”
The renovation was a multi-million dollar investment. Constructed started end of January and renovations took four months to complete. The remodel has some new features like expanded aisles and interactive displays to help customers visualize merchandise in their homes, an elevated assortment of healthy foods and products from brands like De’Longhi, Oura, Jessica Simpson and Lemme.
New signage helps customers navigate the store’s new layout and there have been updates to the pharmacy department.
After the ribbon cutting, as shoppers entered the store, Walmart employee Bonnie Poore of Monroe passed out free totes and cupcakes.
“Today is all about you guys. All our shoppers. All our customers,” Hinkle said. “Our goal is simple. We want to be able to service you guys with a well, clean stocked store and with service you guys deserve.”
— Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Walmart unveils major store upgrades
Reporting by Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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