People were lined up around the building | Mik Horvath/MBC
After a lengthy set-up the Shoppers Drug Mart location in Renfrew opened its doors this morning (March 20).
Doors officially opened at 8 a.m., but eager and curious customers were lining up well before 7:30 a.m.
Mayor Tom Sidney was among the public queueing to check out the latest of Loblaws’ developments, Sidney said there were hundreds during the peak of the grand opening.
Sidney is also optimistic about the town’s growth with the opening of this new asset.
The addition of a Shoppers location in Renfrew brings a greater range of healthcare services to the surrounding area, and provides greater access for locals.
Sandra Krose is one of the many Renfrew residents who said their shopping routine is completely changed because of this location here in-town.
Shoppers Drug Mart Renfrew is bustling with activity during the grand opening | Mik Horvath/MBC
Assistant front store manager, Chris McLean, was one of the employees standing right at the door to welcome the first customers of this new Shoppers location.
Moving back to his home-town after working in Ottawa, top-of-the-line service is one of McLean’s core objectives he’s aiming for.
Locals might see McLean working an evening shift tonight, but the grand opening was too exciting to pass-up and he was very proud to be involved with the operation.
McLean (left) assisting a customer | Mik Horvath/MBC
The store was buzzing with activity; customers filled the aisles, Shoppers staff were everywhere assisting curious customers and Loblaws corporate staff also made an appearance to check out their latest Valley venture.
Owner/operator and pharmacist, Karim Awadein, was closely inspecting all departments to ensure the day was going as best it could.
Despite managing a grand opening which was keeping Awadein quite busy, he was very happy seeing the community coming out in droves.
Awadein couldn’t celebrate the grand opening without appreciating the hard work his staff have been putting in behind-the-scenes to set up the store for today.
Speaking with some of the employees, they said it was surreal to see their work come to fruition and immediately have an impact on the local population.
With today’s opening Awadein said every service is available to check out as of today.
Locals lining up also said they appreciate the long hours of operation.
Curious Valley residents who couldn’t make the grand opening still have plenty of time to check out Shoppers Drug Mart Renfrew; the customers at the grand opening said they are particularly excited for the long hours of operation which is from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
