A new discount store, Roses Express, celebrated its grand opening in Bogalusa’s Shopyard Square with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday morning.

Roses Express, which is owned and operated by Variety Wholesalers, a Fortune 500 company, moved into part of the former Walmart space in the shopping center. Another part is already occupied by a different discount store, Dirt Cheap.

More than one person waiting in the crowd for the doors to open said she’d come from Mississippi to check the place out.

Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marilyn Bateman was happy that the new business was already attracting people from outside the city. Bateman said she is thrilled to see the space filled with “such a nice store that has everything.”

Roses Express carries items ranging from clothing, shoes, accessories, home fashion and décor, and furniture, to toys, food, and snacks.

Bateman added that Roses would help Bogalusa by bringing in additional tax revenues.

District Manager Mike Wiltz was in town for the grand opening.

When asked why Roses Express picked Bogalusa for a store location, he said it was a good fit.

“We thought it would be good for the community,” he said. “Everybody we hire is local. I think it’s good for the area, and it’s good for Roses.”

Meanwhile, Varionna Mingo, Terry Stewart, and a few dozen others were happily checking out all that the new store has to offer.