CLOVIS, N.M. (KFDA) – Walmart in Clovis has partially reopened today, according to Eastern New Mexico News.
Grocery stores are currently open and electronics, toys and household items will be available by Friday, but in limited quantities.
The store closed on Sept. 3 after the fire caused $42 million in damage, fire officials said.
Eastern New Mexico News reports that a transient who entered the store after hours has been charged with arson.
Jimmy Guillen was arrested in Lubbock on Sept. 13 and returned to the Clovis jail on Friday to await trial.
“We know this is an essential store for our community and we have done everything we can to reopen it as quickly and safely as possible, especially before the Christmas season. We understand,” said company spokesperson Joe Pennington.
Clovis City Commissioner Helen Kassau said it’s “outstanding news” that Walmart will reopen and other businesses that have regained some slack will finally be relieved of their workload and able to continue normal business hours. said.
Walmart’s general merchandise and auto repair departments will be closed until further notice, Pennington said.
The bakery and deli sections are also closed until late.
“All we know is that it’s a grocery store for now, but by March it’s going to be bigger and better,” Casaus said.
Both Cassow and Pennington said employees at the Clovis store plan to return to the store when it reopens.
Pennington said many of the Clovis employees have been reassigned to the Portales store.
“We were really proud to be able to keep these employees employed and working and getting paid while we reopened our stores,” Pennington said.
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