Wegmans dedicates part of Web site to new Va. store

WOODBRIDGE, Va. Wegmans Food Markets launched a new online experience for future customers of its new store in Woodbridge, Va., scheduled to open in June, the chain announced Wednesday.

“We have always dedicated a section of our web site to our new stores,” stated Jo Natale, Wegmans’ director of media relations. “But this new approach gives us even greater capabilities and allows customers to experience Wegmans in a new way.” The ‘microsite’ can be reached in two ways: it is linked from the homepage of www.wegmans.com, the company’s web site; or it can be reached directly at www.wegmans.com/newstores.

Scott Fien and Lynne Freeman, of Wegmans’ employee communications department, guide a tour of the site that features a clock counting down the hours, days, minutes and seconds until the new store opens on June 8 at 7 a.m. Customers can register in advance for a Shoppers Club card, and if signed up by May 31, will receive by mail a free copy of Wegmans Menu magazine and a coupon for a free bottle of Wegmans Basting Oil. The most unique feature is a series of video clips to give those who have never shopped at Wegmans a glimpse inside the store. The final clip entitled ‘Catch the Excitement’ captures the experience of opening day at the supermarket where thousands have been known to line up in the pre-dawn hours before the store opens its doors. Wegmans employees can be seen doing the Wegmans cheer, a tradition that precedes every store opening.

Other sections of the site provide directions to the store (both written and mapped), introductions to store employees, a map of the new store’s layout, and the ability to apply for a job on line. Wegmans anticipates that thousands of people will visit the new on-line destination between now and opening day.