Neighbors welcome new grocery store to Southern Highlands

By Aida Ahmed

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 | 2:12 p.m.

Residents of Southern Highlands attending Wednesday’s grand opening of a new Fresh & Easy say they are pleased to see the grocery store opening in their neighborhood.

The grand opening drew a crowd of at least 30 patrons who eagerly awaited the chance to shop at the store at 4760 W. Cactus Ave.

Grocery list in hand, Judy O’Brien was one of the first in line. She said her list included items other grocery chains don’t carry, like almond butter and some cheeses.

“I live in Southern Highlands but I’ve been going to the one on Silverado for years, so we really needed this one,” O’Brien said. “The cheeses and the meats and some of the things you can get here, even the vegetables, are better.”

Store manager Robert Mulvaney said the Southern Highlands location was a natural for Fresh & Easy, which now has 21 locations in the Las Vegas Valley.

“They didn’t have one in this location so we thought we’d get out here and serve the community,” he said.

To kick off the grand opening, Mulvaney presented a $1,000 check to a local Boys and Girls Club. Employees dressed in green Fresh & Easy T-shirts welcomed customers, handing out loyalty rewards cards and helping them with shopping carts.

Southern Highlands resident Desiree Shane said she was met with short lines at the register Wednesday morning. The new location, Shane said, would be more convenient for her.

“It’s nothing new but it’s beautiful,” said Sonia Kail. “It’s nice for the neighborhood.”

Mulvaney said the grand opening continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, when the store will have an event with live music and gift card giveaways.

Company officials said stores have design features such as concrete floors and energy-efficient LED lighting that keep costs down so they can pass savings on to the consumer.

Regular store hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.