Despite the Supercenter's full parking lot, other nearby residents don't share Welter's enthusiasm.

"I feel like they really let down this part of the community by putting it there," said Heidi Stallman, "and I will not shop there."

Critics also complained about increased traffic and new turning lanes they said could confuse drivers at an already-busy intersection. Residents at the Off Broadway Condominiums said they could have problems because their homes and the supercenter entrance share a traffic median on Fairview Road. Paxton Keeley Elementary Principal Elaine Hassemer said Wal-Mart's opening did not affect school traffic on Wednesday.

And, despite rumors, city officials said the new Supercenter did not cause Monday's power outage in the area. They blamed equipment problems that caused a fire which shut down some power grids.