GULF SHORES, Ala. — Even though the store is only five years old, the Gulf Shores Wal-Mart on east Fort Morgan Road is getting a facelift. Actually, it is a full-blown renovation.

So as the seasons change, so will the look and feel of the local retail giant.

Temporary storage pods were placed alongside the store last month to help relocate some inventory and fixtures while the remodeling takes place.

According to Wal-Mart management, every department of the store will be updated including all new shelving, signing, flooring and products assortment. The store will also feature a new layout designed to make shopping for everyday items easier and faster by aligning the products customers purchase the most.

The new design is based on feedback from customers and will feature a clean, open and bright new look in the store with wider aisles, low-profile shelving, bright interior paint scheme, and lighting and easy-to-read signage to help customers find the products they need.

“Wal-Mart is always surveying our customers to find out what they like and what they think we could do better,” said Gulf Shores Wal-Mart manager Mary Jane Ewing. “We are looking forward to completing the renovation of our store. We really think that our customers are going to be very excited about what they see, with the wider aisles and the new layout. We also have new, environmentally friendly lighting in our freezer area.  We are going green.”

Being that the Gulf Shores location is relatively new, some would wonder why a renovation is already needed.

“Everything needs to be updated from time to time,” Ewing said. “Most Wal-Marts are renovated every five to seven years, so it was time for us to make the added improvements.”

Renovations began on Aug. 30 and are expected to be completed by the end of November.

Fortunately, for some locals needing employment, Wal-Mart hired several additional associates to assist with the remodel.

The majority of the renovation work is done during the overnight shift, and the store will remain open, including all departments and services, throughout the remodeling process.

Maps of the store layout will be available at the entrance and directional signage is located throughout the store.