The former PGG retail store on South First Street in Hermiston stands empty in preparation for Hermiston Auto Parts to move in.

Hermiston’s former Pendleton Grain Growers retail store will get a new occupant next week when Hermiston Auto Parts moves into the space.

The move will mean twice as much room for the NAPA retailer, owner Kevin Cleaver said, as well as a more visible location than the store’s current spot at 292 W. Hermiston Ave.

“The biggest advantage is probably going to be the location,” he said.

Cleaver and his wife Georgia have owned the store, which was established in the 1960s, since 1994. He said the store has outgrown its original location, which is why he became interested in the building at 200 S. First St. after PGG closed its retail store there in the fall.

Cleaver said having twice as much space will mean more inventory.

“We’ll have stuff we’ve never carried before,” he said.

The store currently has seven employees, but Cleaver said he will probably hire three more people after the expansion.

The plan is for NAPA’s Portland distribution center to bring “as many people as they can” to help move inventory on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday while the store remains open at its current location, then transition to being open at the new location on Thursday while the rest of the inventory is moved over.

Over the weekend, Cleaver said, the outside of the store will be repainted. New shelves are being installed inside, and eventually the store will get new signage marking it as Hermiston Auto Parts.

Cleaver said he hasn’t set a date yet but plans to have a grand opening celebration for the community after they get settled in at their new location.

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Contact Jade McDowell at jmcdowell@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4536.