Wednesday, July 6 was the official opening day for the Lismore Shopping Square, at least that was the update on May 26. One Australian corporate giant and its local team have worked tirelessly and together with McConaghy Properties to open their doors before that date, Big W.

Next Thursday, June 16 is now the official opening date for Big W.

Dean Richardson Area Manager Big W told the Lismore App, "We actually think it's a big light at the end of the tunnel, a big dark tunnel that happened on February 28 and we're trying to get a little bit of hope for the town. I know this probably sounds strange but our team are the community and they're really looking forward to it as well."

Big W Lismore Square employs 84 staff with 13 of those directly affected by the February 28 flood.

(inside Big W once the floodwaters had receded. Photo: supplied)

While some see corporate businesses as not local so the profits leave town, the advantage of being a corporate business meant that all 84 staff were continuously employed and supported since February 28. Those that needed to take time off to sort out their lives out did while others worked at different Big W stores like Ballina or Woolworths stores like the pop-up at Lismore Central.

The new Big W store is lighter and brighter than before.

(2IC Rachel Horan (left) and Store Manager Jess Costello show off the new look Big W)

"We have the latest check-outs, the latest joinery, the fitting rooms and the trolleys are recycled trolleys," Dean added, "Other stores have been put on hold so this build could happen quickly so some of the fixtures come from those stores."

Jess Costello Lismore Square Big W Store Manager has been with the Lismore Square store since the store was opened in 2005. Jess has been heavily involved in the entire rebuild project.

"It has been really cool and exciting to be involved in the actual construction process and build of this and the reformat of the business itself," Jess said, "From the product we get back into the store, the layout, the design, the merchandising, the team and the hiring of additional people to join the team."

The reformatting means that stock will be in a completely different place than it was pre-flood, however, Jess and her team will be on hand to answer any questions.

When the doors do open next Thursday at 8am, there will be an official ribbon-cutting, a smoking ceremony and a welcome to country. For those that love a bargain, it will also be the launch of Big W's toy sale which includes the long lay-by terms to Christmas.

When you do walk through the doors next Thursday, look out for a special piece of artwork on the wall to the left of the store. Young Widjabul Artist Sheldon Harrington will have an impressive 2.4-metre tall artwork on display which is a first in any Big W store in Australia.

Big W is the first store to open in the Lismore Square Shopping Centre. What will follow?

Lismore Square Centre Manager Shaun Haysom said there will be a Coffee Club pop-up operating serving coffee and light refreshments.

"On the 6th of July the centre will be operational," Shaun said, "Our first supermarket will be open in Woolworths. Coles has an intention of the 15th of July and K-Mart's intention is the 27th of July."

"All of our small and medium operators in the centre have the opportunity to open on the 6th of July."

"We are super excited to announce that all of our brands that we had prior to the floods will be returning and we've also got some new and exciting offers coming to the Lismore Square."

You will notice some businesses will be bigger than pre-flood with ten businesses expanding their floor space which has meant a relocation within the centre.

"As an example, Flight Centre has expanded and will have a much larger offering," Shaun added.

As for the functional details for next week like car parking and access to Lismore Square.

"The access will be via Brewster Street, it will be clearly marked. There is plenty of signage (made by local company A1 Signs)."

The only entrance will be via the ramp at Wendy's with hoarding on either side. Temporary amenities will be in place while the new amenities are rebuilt and upgraded. September is the timeline for the new amenities to be open at this stage.

When Lismore Square is officially operating on the 6th of July, it is important to note the travelators will not be operating. Shaun said that will be closer to Christmas with a temporary solution in place plus team members present at two locations to help the disabled and the elderly, if they need help, to enter the Square.

For now, the date is next Thursday, June 16 between 8am and 7pm for the opening of Big W in Lismore Shopping Square.