The aisles were already busy with customers as North Bend Safeway staff celebrated the completion of a $9 million remodel at the store with a ribbon cutting Saturday, Nov. 10.

Students from Mount Si High School’s DECA chapter helped store manager Ryan Kinsley and store hiring coordinator Rita Gregory slice a ribbon across Safeway’s east entrance. Also present were district retail manager Adam Wampler and division operations manager Al Iverson.

The North Bend supermarket received a major face lift and expansion as part of the chain’s new “Lifestyles” brand.

“I think it’s so beautiful, I forget it’s the same store,” said Jodine Seawell, a North Bend resident and 31-year Safeway employee.

In the Seattle region, Safeway has remodeled more than 100 stores to its Lifestyles format, Iverson said.

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