NORTH TONAWANDA, NY-- Some shoppers in North Tonawanda were up bright and early for the grand opening of a new Walmart store.

There were plenty of people lined up when this Walmart Supercenter officially opened for business around 8 o'clock.

The store is located at the sight of the old Melody Fair Theater, which was torn down in 2010.

Some people opposed bringing a Walmart to the area -- for fear it would hurt local small businesses.   Folks we talked to though are happy with the new addition.

"I see Walmart as priming the pump for North Tonawanda, helping out city grow again," says shopper Tammy Godyn.  "A lot of community support, it's been a long time waiting for it. I'd like to welcome our shoppers, I'm really excited."

Godyn is the founder of the group, Lumber City Liaisons for Walmart, a group that pushed to bring the retail-giant to the area.