By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
With building construction and landscaping complete for the soon-opening Walgreen's in Brewton, ground clearing has begun on the Wal-Mart Supercenter farther north on Douglas Avenue.
The impact of the two new retailers should boost the economy in Brewton with taxes and income for employees.
City taxes paid by both retailers will also see an impact on the community as well, Yuhasz said.
Currently Wal-Mart is the top taxpayer of city taxes, City Clerk John Angel said.
The Walgreen's company, which is installing the 73rd Alabama store in Brewton, saw more than $47 million in retail sales during fiscal year 2006, Walgreen's corporate spokeswoman Carol Hively said.
The Walgreen's location is expected to open during the last half of February, Hively said.
The 14,800 square foot space is a typical size for Walgreen's locations, Hively said.
Ground clearing for Walmart's Supercenter has begun on U.S. 31 north by Shannon, Strobel and Weaver Constructors and Engineers, Inc., of Auburn.
Once groundbreaking takes place at the site, the estimated time for completion should be just under a year, Angel said.
Using that timeframe as a guide, the Supercenter is expected to be open for business by late 2008 or very early in 2009.
A new traffic signal will also be installed near the main entrance to the Supercenter, Angel said.
County Road 9 is known locally as Old Castleberry Road.
Road construction is already underway on U.S. 31 to allow for additional traffic in the area.
Officials with Walmart Corporation could not be reached for comment on the construction and opening of the Supercenter.