Wally Kennedy: Watching Range Line

May 13, 2008 09:12 am

— When Toys “R” Us decided to add a Babies “R” Us to its store at East Seventh Street and Range Line Road, you would think it would be just a matter of moving around some counters, putting down some new carpet and erecting some new signs.
Well, it’s a lot more involved than that. Essentially, Joplin will be getting two new stores under one new roof. That’s right, the store is getting a new roof, too.
Toys “R” Us must know something about the baby market that we don’t know, because it is sparing no expense with the remodeling and renovation. The old store had a warehouse feel. The bright white storefront was inviting when it was new, but it had grown dingy. It was time for a face-lift.
The new store will be more of an upscale place to shop. The white front will be replaced with beige and tan stucco, and new lettering. A crown molding will grace the top. The inside will get the same level of makeover.
The Babies “R” Us segment is occupying the south third of the store. Parts of it are now open to shoppers. In fact, the store is staying open while the remodeling is taking place. Getting in and out of the store can be a bit daunting, but shoppers should be patient. Safety is the top priority.
Chad O’Roark, who became manager of the store in December, said the grand opening is slated for Friday, June 27.
O’Roark said that not only is the company investing in the store, but it also plans to make an investment in customer service by hiring additional employees.
That could come in handy about September, when I predict a baby boomlet will hit the Joplin market. That will be about nine months after the ice storm that struck the area in early December, leaving many without electricity for several days. You think I’m kidding? We’ll see who laughs last.
Senior moment
Senior Extravaganza 2008 will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Northpark Mall.
Health Essentials is host for this two-day event to celebrate area seniors during Older Americans Month. The event will offer more than 20 booths that feature products and services for seniors.
The Freeman Screen Team will offer free blood-pressure checks, bone-density screenings and colorectal kits.
Local dance groups and choirs will perform, and prize drawings will take place throughout the two-day event.
Mr. and Mrs. Senior Extravaganza will be crowned at noon Thursday. Nominees must be 50 or older to qualify. The winners, selected by random drawing, will receive a prize basket.
The event is free and open to the public.
X-move
Eccentrix, which features an eclectic mix of photography, vintage collectibles and new strangeness, will be relocated from East 32nd Street to 2609 E. Seventh St., the former Aldi building, by the end of this month.
Delante Triplett, a manager, said the store will be adding new world merchandise from India to fill the larger store. For the next couple of weeks, Triplett said, both locations will be open.

If you have news about something that’s happening on Range Line Road, dial 623-3480, ext. 7250; or send an e-mail to wkennedy@joplinglobe.com; or send a fax to Wally Kennedy at 623-8598.