By Jean Schurman
On Wednesday, April 5th, Super 1 Foods will begin their celebration of the completion of a renovation that, although it may have seemed like it went on forever, actually began last fall. The store never closed throughout the remodel but did move inventory around as almost 5,700 square feet were added.
The project was done in phases to try and limit the disruption to the customer as much as possible. Most customers took the remodel in stride and looked upon the challenge as a treasure hunt or a way to get their walking steps in during the winter.
“We are so thankful for our customers’ patience throughout this remodel,” said store director Barry Lemon. “We appreciate their loyalty.”
A lot of space was added in different sections of the store. During the remodel, more seating was added to the deli; they now seat up to 48 customers in the deli area. The beer and wine section almost doubled according to grocery manager Rich Luedecke. The meat department added to their retail space and expanded their butchering section. They added a full service seafood section as well as ready to cook meats such as stuffed chicken breasts. The natural and organic section increased by 80 percent. All of these increases in inventory mean more displays, more shelves, and more coolers and freezers. Even the pet food section has expanded to include refrigerated pet food.
The store received a facelift and remodel from the ground up. The floors were taken down to the cement and then given a finish that Lemon said reminds him of the Bitterroot River. The aisles are wider and laid out with the customer in mind. No more tall shelves to try and reach the dog food box. The lighting has been changed to LED lights, which give the store a cozy feel. The signage for each department is visible from almost anywhere. When you add it all up, trekking up and down the aisles becomes an adventure and not a chore.
But the expansion at Super 1 Foods has been more than just the building. During the remodel, contractors from around the region were working on the project. As the project closed, personnel from Super 1 stores around the region were in town to help put up shelves, and ‘set’ the store. Even the owner, Randy McIntyre, has been in town to help. Both Lemon and Luedecke say their staff has been outstanding during the transition period. When the east wall was being moved out and a blizzard was hitting the area, the staff merely put on another layer and continued to do their job.
And speaking of jobs, Lemon said the workforce at the store will increase another 20 percent in the next few weeks. From deli staff to checkers and stockers, there will be openings throughout the store.
The celebration of the remodeling begins on Wednesday and will continue for four weeks. There will be in-house specials as well as a drawing for a Coleman Outfitter 250 valued at over $4600. Sign up at the Stevensville store or at the Hamilton store.
“It was a lot of hard work for everyone,” said Luedecke. “And now we have a beautiful store that the customers will love.”