RAPID CITY - Shopko Stores is staging a grand re-opening Sunday, Nov. 4, for its newly remodeled Rapid City store.

Events include a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 7 a.m. opening, store manager Jaye Kruckenberg said.

Work has been under way since Aug. 5, he said. The store has been completely remodeled and redecorated. In addition, the optical and pharmacy areas have been opened up to allow more visual appeal, he said.

"A number of customers say they like the new look," he said. "One woman told me it was so warm and comfortable that she could spend several hours here."

The remodeling at the Rapid City store is part of a broad program by Green Bay, Wis.-based Shopko Stores. The company has completed 45 store remodels over the past few years, nine of them in the past year.

"You always have to stay fresh. The customer demands that," Mike MacDonald, Shopko chairman and chief executive officer said. "We're evolving with our customers and their needs."

The new look - designed to appeal to mothers with children at home - features brighter lighting, spacious aisles and improved indoor signs, officials said.

"The palette will be warm but updated with more modern colors and design details," Jane VanAuken, Shopko vice president of store planning said. "We are also completely rearranging our merchandise for better flow and ease of shopping."

Shopko has 132 stores in 13 states throughout the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. The company also operates three Shopko Express Rx neighborhood drugstores.