Shopko store opens Sunday

The new Shopko Hometown store inside Mountain Mall opens to shoppers Sunday.

The 37,500-square-foot department store will feature clothing, home furnishings, toys, electronics, seasonal items and lawn and garden products.

The store is opening following a $3.7 million renovation of the mall that included updating the exterior facade of the building.

A grand opening event for the store is set for Friday, Oct. 2. During the event at 8:45 a.m., the Shopko Foundation will present a $2,500 check to Whitefish High School.

“The excitement surrounding our grand opening isn't just about the products we sell, it's about making life easier for the customers we are privileged to serve,” said Peter McMahon, Shopko CEO, in a prepared release. “It's about the stuff that counts — the essentials that help people get ready for work or school or to enjoy the weekend with family and friends.”

The first 100 people in line will receive a free $10 Shopko gift card and a number of other prizes will be given out.

Customers will also have the chance to sign up for the store’s loyalty program and those who use their loyalty card on the day of the grand opening will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 shopping spree.

The store will be open seven days per week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Shopko is expected to employ about 25 to 30 people.

Construction work on the remodel of the mall began in February. Whitefish City Council last year approved using $200,000 in tax-increment funds to assist with the facelift.

Shopko is owned by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. The retailer operates 343 stores, including 203 Shopko Hometown stores, in 25 states.