It seemed more like a pep rally than your typical grand opening.
There was a marching band and cheerleaders. The event even began with a singing of the National Anthem.
A large crowd gathered Wednesday morning for the grand opening of Yazoo City’s Walmart store. Many visitors were excited to have the store in Yazoo City that they often travel out of town for.
But no one seemed more excited than the store’s new employees. They cheered for Store Manager Michael Lofton Jr. like he was the quarterback of their favorite football team as he took the stage.
Lofton, who began his career with Walmart as a sales associate in 2008 and worked his way up to management, encouraged the community to give feedback on how the store is doing and how it can improve.
“We want to be the best,” he said. “If there is a way we can better serve you, please let us know.”
Mayor Diane Delaware said that the community was “giddy” about Walmart’s arrival in Yazoo.
“We have been waiting on this for a very long time,” Delaware said. “Walmart gives us opportunities. There are many people to thank.”
Former Gov. Haley Barbour said that Walmart has been trying to come to Yazoo City for years.
“Before I was elected governor in 2003 there was already and effort to try to build a Walmart store here,” Barbour said. “Some of you may remember that they were looking at locations of Highway 49 south of Four Points. It didn’t pan out, but I have to say that my hat is off to all the people in the city and county government who have persevered to see this through and make it happen.”
Barbour recalled having conversations with Walmart executives in the past about Yazoo City.
“Some years ago Marsha and I had the honor to have dinner with Rob Walton of the Walmart family,” Barbour said. “We were talking about being from Yazoo City and he said, ‘Do you know that Yazoo City, Mississippi is the largest incorporated city in the United States that doesn’t have a Walmart? We’ve been trying to get one there for 10 years.’ And he laughed and said, ‘We’re not quitting.’ Here we are today because Walmart doesn’t quit.”
Barbour said the new store will provide a boost the local economy, increase sales tax revenue and has created new jobs.
“We’re really glad to have this store and the 300 jobs for the people of Yazoo City,” Barbour said. “We are super optimistic about where we’re headed and how this is going to help this town.”
