Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Asheville Walmart Supercenter to Fully Reopen After Hurricane Helene

Exterior of Asheville Walmart Supercenter during grand reopening celebration

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.