Customers, government representatives and business leaders gathered Wednesday morning at the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery grand opening on Highway 39 North, voicing their support and excitement for the new store. 

“I just came to see how it was,” Latoya Coleman, shopping with her 2-month-old daughter, said. “We like it very much.”

More than 150 customers, and approximately 30 employees, were present for the 7:30 a.m. opening. The Meridian High School drumline opened the ceremonies, the national anthem was sung and Walmart employees sang a celebratory chant.

Store Manager Nathan Gragg, who transferred from the Route 19 Walmart, said the store employs more than 100 people, including one man who was hired only four days ago. 

“It’s pretty spectacular,” Gragg said. 

Gragg said he wasn’t surprised by how many people came to the grand opening, because of the excitement he’d heard from the community.

“Just being around town and shopping I’ve heard from so many people,” Gragg said. 

Once the door opened, Walmart employees gave out granola bars, English muffins and bag clips to the early morning customers. Cupcakes, pizza and other treats greeted customers as they entered the new store and started exploring.

“It’s right in my neighborhood,” shopper Penny McKinnis said. “It’s very convenient for people that live in Meridian. And even for people who don’t live in Meridian because it’s right on (Highway) 39.”

“You can find so many interesting things here,” Mary J. Jacobs said. “I just think it’s wonderful.”

Jacobs and McKinnis have been friends since childhood, remembering a time before Walmart when their parents shopped at a help-yourself store.

As a Neighborhood Market, this Walmart location won’t have the same variety as the Walmarts near Bonita Lakes or Highway 19, but McKinnis preferred that. 

“When I go grocery shopping, I don’t need clothing,” McKinnis said. “I love it because I save money.

“It’s just such a happy place.”