Lowe's quietly opens its doors

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- Lowe's opened with little fanfare Tuesday, as a handful of shoppers perused row after row of newly stocked shelves.

It was nothing like Home Depot's grand opening a month ago, when thousands of people turned out for food, music, speeches and free gifts.

Store manager Kirk Thrift stood near the entryway of his relatively quiet store and explained that Lowe's will have a grand-opening celebration sometime in the spring.

"It's kind of weird opening this time of year because we're a little late for Christmas," Thrift said. "But everything is operational and online."

Customers William and Ramona Puddicombe were checking out the new store Tuesday, and said having two major companies in town like Lowe's and Home Depot has its benefits.

"There's not a major difference between them," Ramona Puddicombe said, "but with the competition, maybe prices will come down."

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.