The aisles at The Home Depot were packed Thursday with people exploring Danville’s newest shopping experience.
Store manager Gregg Fittz said 30 to 40 people were already lined up waiting to shop when the doors opened at 7 a.m.
“We knew there was a lot of buzz around the area,” Fittz said Thursday. “But we were surprised at how huge the crowd was this morning. It makes us feel really successful.”
By 10 a.m., Jane Poteat was maneuvering a full shopping cart toward the check out.
“I’ve been looking forward to Home Depot coming for a long time,” she said.
At 5 p.m., shoppers slowed down a little to enjoy some cake and watch the official board-cutting take place.
Mayor Sherman Saunders welcomed the home improvement giant, thanking the company for investing in Danville by bringing the 131,000-square-foot store here with its 40,000 different products and $6.5 million in inventory.
Saunders also noted that the store had offered careers to some of Danville’s young people, some who had left to find jobs elsewhere or were thinking of leaving to find a job.
“We’re very proud of our people,” he said, “especially our young people who have moved back home, some who were about to leave for work, but they found work here.
“Right now, Home Depot has hired 95 of the 125 people they will be hiring, and they’re staying right here!”
Several City Council members, as well as City Manager Jerry Gwaltney and Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors member William Pritchett were some of the dignitaries on hand to offer words of welcome during the opening ceremonies.
Councilman-elect Larry Campbell declared, “We’re moving forward!”
Councilman Gary Miller said he felt like he was in a “giant big-kid toy box” and was anxious to go find something handy to do.
Frittz told the crowd that Home Depot is always interested in being a contributor to charitable organizations and called Don Nodtvedt, director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Danville Area, to the stage to receive a $2,000 gift card.
Saunders then took off his jacket, donned a bright orange Home Depot apron and fired up a chain saw to cut the ceremonial board that marks the official opening of Home Depot stores.
Contact Denice Thibodeau at dthibodeau@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7985.
Contact Sarah Arkin at sarkin@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7983.
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