Clanton Rite Aid store manager Monica Stoffel cuts the ribbon during a Grand Reopening ceremony on Monday. (Photos by Anthony Richards)

Rite Aid in Clanton held a ribbon cutting ceremony and daylong customer promotions as part of its official grand reopening on Monday.

The store underwent about a six-week remodel from start to finish and focused on fitting the location into the “wellness store” format, which features expanded pharmacy services and an enhanced selection of wellness products.

“We want to be a store known for wellness and not just a drug store,” multi-store manager Sherri Brooks said. “That is what we’re shooting for.”

One of the primary benefits of a “wellness store” is the presence of a wellness ambassador on staff to assist, answer questions and direct conversation that customers may have about their well-being.

“They are specially trained and you can come in and talk to them,” Brooks said. “They can pull up the information on an iPad and provide help on the spot.”

Store displays were set up throughout the store to offer demonstrations or samples of recently newly added products.

A pharmacist will also be on duty with the ability to give immunizations against roughly a dozen diseases, such as the flu, pneumonia, shingles and whooping cough, according to a press release.

Clanton is the latest location to experience a format upgrade, which the company debuted in Spring 2011.

“This is a wellness platform for the community,” Brooks said. “It is very new to us, but it is a great concept. So many people just want to know what they can do to feel better.”

According to Brooks, other changes to the store include an increased stock of organic foods and a nail bar that offers a large selection of nail products and polishes.

“No appointment is necessary, just come on in and we’ll make sure to take care of you,” Brooks said.