Plans for Aldi, Wawa in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A longtime fixture is now a pile of rubble, and big changes are coming to a busy spot in Luzerne County.

Soon you’ll see a long list of new businesses and some could even save you a few bucks. Shoppers tell me inflation is out of control and they’re excited to budget shop close to home.

Demolition is underway at the former K-Mart along Route 309 in Wilkes-Barre Township.
Supermarket chain Aldi is set to occupy the end storefront in the complex known as Union Center.

“That would be great I guess for the whole town, Wilkes-Barre, Hanover, the surrounding areas I’d say,” said Len Winter from Ashley.

Kmart closed its doors here in 2020. Construction has also begun on a proposed car wash and Wawa Gas Station and convenience store, according to Metro Real Estate.

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“I’m actually happy. A lot of times I want to go to those places but they’re far away from me, so this makes it more convenient, easier to shop, and closer for me,” says Franciso Rivera from Wilkes-Barre.

Gas and grocery prices are sky-high, which is why budget shopping is the only option for many families and people living on a fixed income.

“I don’t want to talk about gas because it’s a fortune now, you know. I watch my money. I get the cheapest I could,” added Winter.

“It makes it easier for me to have everything cheaper compared to the rest of the stores out here,” continued Rivera

There’s no word on when these stores will officially open.

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