New 24/7 Walmart opens in Labelle

LABELLE, Fla. – Hendry County customers are showing up to a new Walmart Supercenter opened on Hickpochee Avenue in Labelle on Wednesday.

People used to drive miles to shop at a national chain but say the new Walmart allows them to grab groceries without crossing county lines.

“It’s better than driving all the way to Fort Myers. That’s for sure!” one person said.

The Walmart opened on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m., introducing a new gas station, pharmacy and grocery store to Hendry County. The store will stay open all day and all week and also brought more jobs to Hendry County, which suffers from one of the state’s highest unemployment rates.

“It means jobs. Two-hundred people employed here and we may hire more,” another person said.

It has been a struggle for those trying to bring a brand-name store to Labelle. But others are concerned about the survival of local small businesses, some of which had trouble recovering from the recession.

A local consignment shop owner is hopeful that the Walmart will attract business.
“I think people like shopping in small town america. I believe they will come here and go there,” Patty Ellison said.

Shoppers said they hope the Walmart will introduce more options and competitive prices.

“It feels like we are going forward with more choices for clothes and shoes,” Sandra Tanner said. “Before, we were held captive by the stores that maybe didn’t carry what you wanted.”

Others said the Walmart is helping Labelle catch up to the times.

“I feel better about the town. It’s changing and growing. We now have things that other people have had,” said Lola Napier.

For more information on the new Walmart visit its local Facebook page at www.facebook.com/walmart6190.