In a much-anticipated event, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market opened its doors Wednesday in Statesboro's Market District, welcoming anxious customers, excited shoppers and a few curious spectators. Pristine and well-stocked shelves beckoned patrons to partake, and employees greeted newcomers with smiles and offers of assistance. Area shoppers have looked forward to a new grocery store for months, perhaps years, with many perpetuating and delighting in grocery store rumors on regular occasions, including one fueled by plans revealed in May at a Statesboro City Council meeting for a 130,000-square-foot shopping center on Veterans Memorial Parkway near Northside Drive East reportedly anchored by a grocery store.