“We haven’t had a store in our area for a long time,” said Irving, who lives in Church Hill. Because of the crowds, she hadn’t had a chance to compare prices.

“But it’s better than those little corner stores that we have. That’s the only thing we have that’s near me,” Irving said.

So far, she was impressed. “Everything looks beautiful,” she said.

Customer Matt Conrad was one of the first to go through a checkout line using one of the four self-checkout counters.

“I’ve been with the neighborhood civic association for maybe 10 or 15 years at this point, but I’ve really watched people like Mary Thompson and Cynthia Newbille and Delores McQuinn lead the effort for this for a long time,” Conrad said. “Their passion to get this done for the community is really awesome to see.”

Thompson, Newbille and McQuinn were at the opening.

“It’s a great day in the district,” said Newbille, Richmond City Council president and 7th District representative.

The store has dozens of local vendors, including Flowers by Bron owned by Bron Hansboro, Brewer’s Cafe, Mama J’s, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods and Shoe Crazy Wine.