DeRidder Walmart celebrates 40th anniversary
Published Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 9:03 a.m.
Written by Emily Burley
Last week, the Walmart in DeRidder (1125 N. Pine St.) celebrated its 40th anniversary by announcing the store’s recent transformation.
DeRidder Mayor Misty Clanton, representatives from the Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce, store leaders, employees and community members gathered at Walmart for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included instax giveaways, giveaways, and in-store tours.
Store manager Beverly Rainwater said she considers the event a “re-grand opening.” In August, the store underwent a renovation to optimize the shopping experience for customers. She said it was simply time to “renovate” several departments within the store.
The apparel department has been completely renovated and new coolers and freezers have been installed in the produce, frozen and deli fresh areas. The store also has new cash registers and new shopping carts.
He said there isn’t much space left to physically expand the store, but one department is still in the middle of a major expansion.
Once complete, the online grocery division’s ordering capacity will double from 350 to 700 orders per day.
Rainwater said it’s important to DiRidder Walmart employees that it’s a community facility, not just a grocery store.
As part of the celebration, the store donated more than $7,000 to multiple community organizations.
Rainwater said she considers herself a “huge advocate” when it comes to pouring resources into the community. She said the store regularly distributes grants throughout the region, but this renovation has resulted in large awards for organizations. This activity is carried out as part of our way of giving back to those who have supported the store’s prosperity.
“It’s our customers who keep us going. It’s our customers who make our community tick. It’s important to us to give back.”
She said it’s especially important to the store to financially support local youth organizations.
“These are our future colleagues who will eventually work for our company. So I’m very in tune with the high school in particular and we stay in touch.”
She said she aims to reach out to as many organizations as possible. Organizations receiving grants include: $400 to DeRidder High School LEO Club. $400 to DeRidder High School FCA Club. $400 to DeRidder High School Robotics Club. $400 to DeRidder High School Science Club. $400 to DeRidder High School Student Council. $500 to Beauregard Ark. $500 for the heart. It costs $500 to get to the Kingdom Center. $500 to Mary Cross New Step Outreach. $500 to the SWLA support team. her $500 to Beauregard Agape Community Clinic; $400 for the Singer High School Backpack Program. $400 for Singer High School Girls Softball. $400 for tutoring and training at Singer High School; $400 to the Singer High School Musical Program and $500 to the Derrider Junior Women’s Club.
Winners and awards were determined by Grants Commission employees.