The Brandon Walmart that closed earlier this year is set to reopen.
The retailer's 1208 east Brandon Boulevard location abruptly closed in April after ongoing plumbing issues, according to Walmart management. The store was one of four Walmarts nationally that closed because of similar plumbing problems.
Almost 400 employees got less than a day's notice that they were being fired.
The Brandon store will reopen in late October or early November, according to Walmart officials. Store management has started re-staffing the store and has reached out to former employees.
Rumors and innuendos still persist about the closing, with some theories saying Walmart closed the location and others as a cost cutting move during a raising minimum-wage dispute.
However, during the past four months, contractors have filed permits for upgrades to the store, including one for a new roof.
"While the process to conduct plumbing repairs and store upgrades is still ongoing, our goal is to begin serving customers by late October or early November," Walmart said in a released statement. "We are now ready to officially begin the hiring process. This includes communicating with associates that have transferred to surround area stores."
A hiring center has been set up in the shopping plaza next to the store. It will be open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.