Patton Twp. Wal-Mart celebrates renovations
Nick Malawskey
- nmalawsk@centredaily.comPATTON TOWNSHIP — Ten years ago, Mike Meraglia was an intern at the North Atherton Street Wal-Mart.
On Wednesday, he was the man of the moment, as he presided over ceremonies officially unveiling the newly renovated super center.
“This is the best and the greatest that Wal-Mart has come up with so far,” said Meraglia, now the store’s manager.
The company celebrated the end of the several million dollar renovation by awarding almost $40,000 in grants to several local nonprofit organizations.
The largest amount — $37,000 — was given to the Second Mile, presented to the organization’s founder, Jerry Sandusky.
Kirk Herkert, a regional manager for Wal-Mart, said the renovations were a sign of the company’s commitment to State College — one of its premier markets in Pennsylvania because of its proximity to Penn State.
The changes at the store, while following guidelines developed at the national level by the company, were also tailored to the State College area, he said.
That includes an enlarged housewares section — just in time for the back to school rush next month.
Sales during the back to school period at the State College stores rival those of Christmas in other areas, he said.
Herkert said he did not know when the company’s renovation program would be extended to the Benner Pike Wal-Mart. The company plans to renovate 600 stores nationally this year.
The North Atherton Street store employs about 340 people.
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