PRAIRIE GROVE -- A major remodeling project at Harps grocery store in Prairie Grove should be finished before the end of the month, according to Ashley Merrill, store manager.
The main reason for the remodel, Merrill said, is to make it "easier for our customers to shop."
The building, which formerly housed a Dillon's grocery store, is about 35 years old. Harps has owned it about seven years and has 35-40 employees. Merrill has managed the store for five years.
J. Max Van Hoose, vice president of store planning with Harps, said the project will cost about $1 million and this is the first major remodeling project in the store since Harps bought it.
"The facility needed to be updated and everything freshened up," Van Hoose said. "I think we'll be able to provide a greater variety in the whole store within the same space."
The project includes new checkouts with moving belts and new refrigeration and frozen food cases to protect the integrity of the product. Work also includes a complete decorative package for the interior and exterior of the store, including new paint for both areas, and remodeling the store's bathrooms.
Another major change, Merrill said, is that products will be located in different aisles and this, in particular she said, will make shopping easier for customers.
The store will carry some new products, as requested by customers, she added.
The bakery/deli area has all new equipment and a new-style hot bar. This part of the store is finished and is open to customers.
Mayor Sonny Hudson said he knows people who shop at Harp's will appreciate the changes and believes the changes will bring former customers back to the store.
"I think it's a great deal. Of course, they've been here a while but to do a facelift like that, it was needed. It's going to be all the way around better," Hudson said.
Ed Kirkland, grocery merchandiser, said it was a coincidence the project came on the heels of the closing of Walmart Express in Prairie Grove.
"This was already planned before Walmart closed," Kirkland said. "It was just a coincidental thing that they closed and we started remodeling."
Van Hoose said Harps began putting together a remodel plan for the Prairie Grove store in August 2015.
Merrill said Harps has seen increased traffic since Walmart Express closed.
Merrill will make her final walk-through on the project May 23. She did not know if the corporate office would plan a grand re-opening ceremony but said she wants to hold some type of celebration for the store.
She expressed her appreciation to how understanding customers have been during the project.
General News on 05/11/2016