‘Concept' Wal-Mart to open this spring

PEÑITAS — Wal-Mart is promising a much different experience when its store here opens in the spring.

The big box, western Hidalgo County's first, was expected to open its doors last spring, but work halted early last year so the retail chain could redesign the store's interior layout.

Rumors swirled that shoddy construction was to blame for the delay, but spokeswoman Sally Aiello said Friday the interior is the only part of the store being altered for a planned debut in April or May.

"Opening has been delayed because of the unique store format," she said. "This is going to be a Hispanic concept for Wal-Mart."

A similar concept store opened near Houston in November to generally positive reviews. Posts to an Internet message board for Houston architecture praised the wider aisles, superior flooring and shorter shelves that allowed patrons to see more of the store.

But Peñitas' location will be the company's first U.S. store designed with Mexican and Mexican-American shoppers in mind, Aiello said.

Although vague about the details of the redesign, she said the store will feel more welcoming and will better encourage shoppers to move from department to department.

"The size, location and adjacencies of the different departments are coordinated to create better sightlines, better orientation and a better shopping experience," she wrote in an e-mail. "The merchandise assortment will cater to the needs and vibrant tastes of customers from South Texas and the Hispanic community."

Texas grocery giant H.E.B. is the nearest major grocer for most of western Hidalgo County - it has a branch in nearby Palmview and another in Rio Grande City, which boasts another Wal-Mart as well. The Peñitas location for Wal-Mart takes advantage of modest western county growth as well as newer, rapidly growing immigrant communities north of the city limits.

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Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472.