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Orange Beach officials have announced that a large empty retail location once occupied by Bruno’s will soon be home to Neighborhood Market, a grocery store chain that is affiliated with Walmart.

Bruno’s on Perdido Beach Boulevard closed in 2009, shortly after the grocery store chain filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving the 42,000 square foot space empty for several months.

Sales at the Orange Beach location fell dramatically following the opening of the Publix Supermarket nearby.

Although it is not certain when the store will be ready for a grand opening, it is estimated that the Orange Beach Neighborhood Market will employ close to 100 locals.

“I am glad that those folks are moving in there,” said Councilman Jeff Silvers at a recent council work session. “I think it will be an asset to the whole neighborhood.”

Launched in 1998 as Walmart Neighborhood Market, the average size of the store is normally 40,000 square feet, a quarter of the size of a typical Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Many of the Neighborhood Markets are located in smaller Southern markets and are relatively close to existing Walmart Supercenter stores.  The Orange Beach Neighborhood Market will be the first of its kind in Baldwin County.

In addition to the 28,000 general grocery items, the store will offer a bakery, deli, snacks, liquor, meat and a pharmacy. There are presently more than 180 Neighborhood Market locations.

“It is going to employ people that are not there now, that is what I see,” said Allen McElroy, and Orange Beach resident.