County Market will be opening its new store location today, as well as awarding $10,000 to the general athletic fund.

Tom Bell, a manager at County Market, said the new store will open at 5 p.m. today.

Gerry Kettler, a company spokesman and director of consumer affairs for County Market’s parent company, Niemann Foods, Inc., said the new store will include a second-level mezzanine.

The mezzanine is set to include a fireplace, wireless Internet, couches, tables and a deli.

“We wanted to bring the latest and greatest shopping experience in Charleston,” Kettler said.

When designing the new County Market, students’ interests were considered, Kettler said

“We built (the new store) specifically with a student population in mind,” Kettler said.

Not only will the new store be energy efficient and the store associates will be re-trained in their area so they can be more knowledgeable about the store’s products, Kettler said

Kettler also said at the opening of the new store, a check will be presented to Eastern for $10,000.

Ryan Hastings, the assistant athletic director for development, said Barbara Burke will be accepting the check with President Bill Perry and the money will be added to the general athletic fund.

Hastings said the athletic department entered into a corporate agreement with Neimann Foods and Neimann Foods will be a part of a corporate sponsors package with Eastern athletics.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.