People line up as store hosts grand re-opening after renovation
After six months of renovations that saw the store refurbished from top to bottom, the Woodstock Sobeys opened to much fanfare on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Staff and contractors worked together to get the renovation completed without closing the store.
Dave Wilson, who has been with Sobeys for 24 years and has been the Woodstock manager for 12, led his team through the upheaval and said the stress of the renovation was lessened by his amazing team.
“This was a big undertaking, but the staff, they were everything. Whenever I saw someone a little down or tired, I would jump in and help and support them, and they did the same for me.”
Wilson lost his father during the renovation, which was extremely difficult.
“He was a great support, and always asked how things were going. I know he’s looking down and proud of what we accomplished.”
Corporate leadership was on hand to welcome customers as store manager Dave Wilson cut the ribbon. The first 300 customers were gifted a $10 gift card.
Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones congratulated Wilson and his team on surviving the huge renovation.
“I’ve been through a number of [renovations] myself and try to operate a business at the same time, and it has major challenges, and I personally never heard any complaints about this, and I hear a lot of them, so you know they did a fantastic job.”
In re-opening the store, Wilson thanked staff for their hard work and patience through the organized chaos, and thanked his wife for being so patient.
In honour of the big day, Sobeys also presented a $2,000 donation to the Valley Food Bank.
Daniel Lowther is Sobeys Director of Operations Support for Atlantic Canada.
He spent three years as manager of the Woodstock location in the mid 2000s. He’s been a ‘Sobey’s man’ since he was 16, starting out as a cashier in the company’s Oromocto store.
“It’s exciting being here today, but it’s also great coming back and seeing the staff, who now have some of their children and grandchildren working here.”
“Dave Wilson just great; so connected with the community. I’m really proud of Dave and his team. The store is beautiful.”
The last time the store underwent a renovation was when it moved from the other end of the mall to the current location, 23 years ago.
