Hundreds of satisfied shoppers filled the aisles yesterday at Wal-Mart's grand opening.

Signs reading "Always the low prices on the brands you trust . . . Always" are posted throughout the store, which is located at 1665 N. Atherton St. Wal-Mart is famous for its low prices and customers agreed that the prices they found were very competitive.

Receiving even higher ratings was the customer service.

"People come and ask you for help when you're not even looking for it. It's great," customer Mary Ruth Howell said.

"Our concern is to provide the best shopping atmosphere for our customers," manager Brent Hardin said. "Customer service is what we're built on."

"I had one lady tell me that this was the first retail store she'd been in where 15 sales people actually smiled at her and asked her if she needed any help," department manager Diana Haywood said.

To celebrate the opening, Wal-Mart prepared many surprises for its new shoppers. A giant walking Lifesaver roll and Mr. Peanut, each giving out treats, greeted shoppers, many of whom had never been in a Wal-Mart. Besides the life-sized characters, shoppers received a coupon that could be redeemed at the snack bar.

Wal-Mart, one of the largest discount stores in the area, has everything from fabric to plants to pets, including a Penn State shop, an electronics area, a lawn and garden department and an extensive selection of household items. The store also has a pharmacy and a film developing center.

Although the store was crowded with shoppers, cash register lines moved quickly. Employee Donna Reeder said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who came to the opening but the store was ready for them.

Comparing it to K mart, customer Donita Gibboney said Wal-Mart had a much bigger and better selection of merchandise.

"I think State College needed a place like this," Howell said.

Wal-Mart is successful nationwide. A sign in the back of the new store boasts its daily stock value, and the company's stock has been cited by Financial World magazine as one of the 25 top gross stocks along with companies like Nike, Walt Disney and Apple.