Local mayor Peter Wyatt joined long-serving colleague Joan Ferry and store manager Neil Roots to cut the ribbon and open the great new-look Asda South Woodham Ferrers.
Peter used to work at the store, so colleagues thought he'd be the best person to officially mark the completion of a series of new features and improvements including Scan & Go, extended Free From and food to go ranges and an improved George department.
The store's community champion Lisa Kelly said: "We've had great comments from customers already – they say it looks clean and bright, and we're all so proud of the refit and how it looks.
"The ribbon cutting went really well. Peter worked here until he retired, and is a regular customer, so it was fitting that he cut the ribbon.
"Joan has worked at the store for 39 years, and she's just one of quite a few long-serving colleagues – I've been here 34 years.
"Woodham is basically a village. Everyone knows everyone, and the customers love it here. I really enjoy my job – I love helping people and being around people – and the same is true of everyone in the store."
Neil said: "Everyone works really well together as a team and it's a lovely store to work in. Everyone knows each other – customers and colleagues – and it makes you proud to be part of it."