After 16 years of operation, Winn Dixie in Clanton has received a major facelift, one the store director called “from front to back.”

From the new sign on the front of the building, to the new and expanded produce section featuring new fruits and vegetables and even organics, every aspect and every department has been changed.

“We’ve been working on it for three months,” store director Tom Bishop said. “This is the new Winn Dixie.”

Only a few finishing touches are left to be completed before the grand reopening Wednesday and special reopening ceremonies next weekend.

“There are some painting touchups and lighting work that will be completed Monday,” Bishop said.

He added that Winn Dixie CEO Peter Lynch has made a commitment to refurbish each and every Winn Dixie over the coming years and has completed 110 of the company’s stores so far.

“They’ve finished 110 already and have another 75 on the books to be done this year,” Bishop said.

First opened in February 1993, the Clanton store has not had a major overhaul until this project began in February.

The store, which features over 35,000 items, is open seven days each week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

See The Advertiser’s Wednesday edition for full details of Winn Dixie’s grand reopening events set for Saturday, May 2.