New Walmart brings people, business to south Rapid City - KOTA Territory News

New Walmart brings shoppers, business to south Rapid City

Location changes, tax increment financing, neighborhood encroachment. You name it, rapid city debated it before a second Walmart store could open.

Millions of dollars and 300 employees later, the doors are open.

Many agree, the new Walmart could launch the south side of the city as a retail magnet.

Few stores can stir your emotions as dramatically as Walmart.

"I like to get my stuff and get out. It's too much anxiety for me in there. There are a lot of people," said Jackie Dejong, cashier at the stumer road Walmart.

In fact, Rapid City's the Lacrosse street location is the 3rd busiest in the nation.

But fighting the crowds may be a thing of the past as Walmart unveils its 13th South Dakota store, and its new layout.

"Toys might be in different areas, appliances might be in a different area, groceries on a different side; the prototype is built for efficiency, being able to increase customer experience," said Andy Pfister, Walmart manager. 

"It took me a little while to find what I wanted, but it was worth it," Steven Roozing of Rapid City.

"I think its an amazing store, and it has a great layout," said shopper Jocelyn Haskell.

Walmart managers hope the new store will alleviate the stress typically associated with the superstores.

"It almost gets too crowded at my store, for customers and my associates, so I think this will help slow it down," said Mark Haberman, Lacrosse street Walmart manager.

With the strip malls surrounding Walmart expected to reach full occupancy in the coming weeks, Walmart staff members say the south side location is primed to become a retail hot spot.

"We're one of the first businesses to open, and I think you're going to continue to see businesses spring up here," said Pfister.

And customers seem ready to cash in on the convenience.

"It's right on my way to work. I can stop here on my way to and from. Very excited to have this on this side of town," said Haskell.

A pet store, nail salon and grocery market will be the newest additions to the business mall across from Walmart.

And now that the two stores will split some of the traffic, the Lacrosse street Walmart will undergo an eight week renovation.