By JEFFERSON WEAVER
Staff Writer

Whiteville’s newest retail destination is slated to open at 7 a.m. Jan. 25.

The 80,000 square foot prototype store will feature lumber and building supplies, along with more than 32,000 home improvement products, appliances, and other items.

The store is one of the first of a new type of mid-size Lowe’s stores designed to service growing markets.

Employees are currently stocking shelves in the new facility, located near the intersection of U.S. 701 Business and N.C. 130.

Company officials said the store would create 120 jobs and cost around $12 million to complete.

Construction began almost immediately after the store was announced last year.

The store is already posted on Internet map sites such as Navteq, and online employment applications are being accepted.

Lowe’s closed a smaller store in Whiteville in 2001.