Walmart unveiling remodeled southwest Cedar Rapids store

The aisles are wider, the electronics department has been expanded and the interior is brighter after a remodeling of the Walmart in southwest Cedar Rapids.

The store at 3601 29th Ave. SW is celebrating a grand re-opening this week, giving shoppers a glimpse of the Walmart's next generation of store design and customer experience. The results of a three-month remodeling project will be unveiled at 8 a.m. Friday, June 17.

Among the improvements are a new store layout and flooring, enhanced lighting and easy-to-read signs. Store Manager Eric McKenna said the company listened to its customers, aligning departments that customers shop most frequently to make it quicker to find everyday items.

Walmart has combined the Site-to-Store pick-up location and photo processing lab in a single area at the rear of the store. The expanded electronics department features a new design with interactive displays that allow customers to test new technology.

A new department, Celebration Station, features party supplies, greeting cards, balloons and helium tanks, cake supplies and gift wrap.

During the grand re-opening celebration Friday, Walmart associates will present a total of $2,000 in Walmart Foundation grants to local non-profit organizations, including Families Helping Families and Waypoint.

Walmart marked the grand opening of the 205,000-square-foot store near Westdale Mall on June 16, 1999.