GARDINER, Maine — Editor's note: The video above was published Dec. 26, 2023.
The Gardiner Hannaford Supermarkets store location is set to reopen soon after the building was damaged during a storm in December that brought heavy rain, flooding, and claimed the lives of four people.
External Communications Manager for Hannaford Caitlin Cortelyou told NEWS CENTER Maine the store located at 40 Maine Ave. was temporarily closed so "necessary repairs and maintenance following considerable water damage" from the storm could be made.
The Gardiner store is anticipated to reopen in early April.
During the December storm, floodwaters rose well over a foot above the base of the store's door, enough for two people to be seen canoeing across a nearby footbridge and into the shopping center's lot.
"We understand the important role we play in the community and thank our associates and customers for their continued patience and support during this temporary closure. We will continue to keep the community informed about our reopening timeline," Cortelyou said.
Hannaford Supermarkets' Augusta locations remain open for customers, roughly a 15-minute drive from the Gardiner location, for grocery and pharmacy needs.
During the closure of the Gardiner location, Cortelyou said impacted employees were "offered the opportunity to work in neighboring stores at their regular pay and hours until the store reopens."