A major update regarding the Walmart store that abruptly closed about five months ago in Brandon.
The retail giant says it is now ready to start rehiring with plans to reopen the store at 1208 E. Brandon Blvd., near the Home Depot, sometime in October or November.
Walmart originally said it would reopen the store in about six months after closing, so that timeframe would seem to fit in with its original promise.
But for several weeks, rumors swirled, and even government conspiracy theories arose, as the huge retail center sat dormant.
"I have a couple of friends that got laid off," said Bre-Anne Leavell.
Leavell, like many, wondered what would become of the Walmart and the people who once worked there.
The retail center was one of five around the nation that abruptly closed for what the company called "plumbing problems".
"I think the big concern is basically whether they getting their jobs back," said Leavell.
The answer to that question apparently is good news.
Walmart announced Wednesday that the Brandon store will be back in business sometime in October or November depending upon how long it takes to complete the work being done on the site now.
Company spokesman Bill Wertz told 10 News "We are now ready to officially begin the hiring process. This includes communicating with associates that have transferred to surrounding area stores and encouraging all others interested in exploring employment opportunities with Walmart to also apply."
"I'm very pleased to see that Walmart made good on their commitment to reopen the store," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist, who represents the district where the Brandon Walmart stands.
"I am also pleased to learn that it's going to be bigger better and improved over what was there before and that it will be open to serve the community in time for the holidays. I am also very pleased that they will be hiring from the surrounding area and giving former employees first consideration," added Crist.
Signs of the effort are evident now. Workers are burying pipes on the property. Construction on an addition is in full swing.
Curious to know what it is, Leavell says "this one guy, we just asked him - hey what's really going on, because we were wondering. And he said, Oh I think it's going to be a liquor store."
In fact the addition to the Walmart on Brandon Boulevard does resemble plans for Walmart liquor store that the city of Palm Coast approved for its Walmart earlier this year.
Late Wednesday afternoon Wertz confirmed the addition is in fact a liquor store.
He also said the entire building would have its roof replaced, and that there would be other cosmetic changes inside to improve customer experience.
But perhaps the most encouraging sign at the store in Brandon will soon reopen are the small blue signs which now dot the perimeter reading "Walmart hiring".
"We thank the community for their patience as we work through these issues and are excited to give our customers a store that better reflect the shopping experience we are providing today in other markets across the country," said Wertz.
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