WalMart is scheduled to close on a piece of real estate for its new Blue Ridge store next month. The property deal is slated to close in early May, Fannin County Economic Director Stephanie Scearce announced Wednesday during the quarterly Economic Development Meeting.

“(WalMart) will then immediately begin construction after that closing,”

Scearce added. Economic Development Chairman Johnny Chastain said only a few items are left on the checklist, saying the process looks promising.

Announced last October, the new store will be located near the Home Depot in Blue Ridge. Construction is expected through the year with an opening date in early 2014. The store will be 180,000 square feet and is expected to employ between 250 and 300 people.