News Summary
The Asheville Walmart Supercenter on Bleachery Boulevard will fully reopen on May 23 after extensive repairs due to damage from Hurricane Helene. The reopening marks a significant milestone in the community’s recovery from the storm and will include a grand opening celebration featuring local leaders. The store partially reopened in February, and its full reopening is welcomed by residents eager for restored access to essential goods, including a newly opened grocery section. Walmart has also contributed to local recovery efforts with substantial aid to food banks.
Asheville, N.C. – The Asheville Walmart Supercenter on Bleachery Boulevard will fully reopen on May 23, marking its first opening since suffering significant flooding damage due to Hurricane Helene on September 27. The store plans to host a grand reopening celebration to commemorate this milestone in the region’s recovery from the devastating storm.
The grand reopening event will take place in the morning of May 23 and will feature remarks from local elected officials and leaders from Walmart. This celebration not only signals the restoration of Walmart as a community staple but also allows residents to shop in the newly opened fresh grocery section, which had been unavailable since the hurricane caused extensive damage.
The Asheville Walmart partially reopened its doors in February, operating at a reduced capacity while gradually restocking shelves with essential items. Previously, the store had restarted general merchandise and non-refrigerated grocery sales ahead of the full reopening announcement. While customers welcomed the partial reopening, many in the community were eager for the store’s return to normal operations, given the critical role it plays in providing groceries and everyday essentials.
The impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville and surrounding regions was profound, causing widespread destruction across multiple states and resulting in a reported death toll of 230, making it the deadliest hurricane in the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The aftermath of the storm left many businesses, including local shops and restaurants, in need of substantial repairs and support.
The reopening of the Walmart Supercenter represents an important step in the community’s ongoing recovery efforts. Apart from restoring shopping options, Walmart has contributed significantly to local recovery initiatives, including a $500,000 grant to MANNA FoodBank for their new facility located in Mills River. Such efforts are essential in providing necessary food and resources to individuals and families affected by the storm.
Community leaders, including Representative Don Davis and Representative Chuck Edwards, are expected to speak at the reopening celebration, highlighting the importance of collaboration and resilience in overcoming the challenges brought about by Hurricane Helene. The store manager has expressed gratitude for the unwavering support the community provided during the rebuilding process, reflecting the solidarity that emerged in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction.
As residents prepare for the grand reopening event, the broader community remains focused on recovery and rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Helene. The return of the Walmart Supercenter is seen as a positive development for many, restoring access to critical items and services that facilitate everyday life. With the reopening, Walmart aims to reinforce its commitment to serving the Asheville community while supporting local recovery initiatives.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the grand reopening celebration on May 23, helping to mark this significant moment in the area’s journey to recovery. The store’s full reopening will not only benefit local shoppers but also represents a larger commitment to bringing stability and normalcy back to the Asheville area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Stacked Tariffs Challenge U.S. Importers Amid Trade Truce
Proposed Costco Store Set to Transform Asheville Shopping
Earth Fare Celebrates 50 Years in Asheville
Spring Sip & Shop Event at Grovewood Gallery
Asheville Celebrates Community Leaders at Annual Gala
Asheville Introduces ‘The Rotating Chef’ Culinary Series
Governor Josh Stein Commits $1.07 Billion for Hurricane Helene Recovery
Trump Calls Protesters ‘Paid Agitators’ in Asheville Town Hall
Asheville Faces Devastation from Hurricane Helene
Asheville Faces Challenges in Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WLOS – Asheville Walmart Supercenter Reopening
- WCNC – Walmart Asheville Partially Reopening
- The Mirror – Asheville Walmart Wrecked by Hurricane Helene
- WFMY News – Asheville Walmart Grand Reopening
- Des Moines Register – Asheville Area Target Stores Reopen
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2006)
- Google Search: Asheville Walmart reopening
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene impact
- Google News: Asheville Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
