KINGSTON — Albertsons celebrated its grand re-opening Nov. 9, introducing new features store director Randi Ackerman says are “tailored to meet our customer’s unique shopping needs and preferences.”

In addition to expanded departments and greater variety throughout the store, customers will see self check-out registers, a customer lounge equipped with a fireplace, a seating area with TV and wireless Internet, and a new pharmacy consultation lounge offering more privacy.

The store has an expanded specialty cheese section. The service deli is carrying a greater variety of items, including sandwiches and hot foods. The bakery department is filled with more freshly baked breads and festive cakes for all occasions.

Customers in search of organic, natural and gluten-free products and other healthier choices will find them in abundance in the produce area and the frozen aisle. The liquor department’s new Villa Vino section features local and high-end specialty wines. There’s also an expanded section featuring 22-ounce craft beers.

Interior changes giving the store a fresh new look include a new décor package. The store’s refrigeration system has also been upgraded to run off a more environmentally friendly glycol system (a non-Freon, non-hazardous, natural refrigerant safe for the environment). The store’s exterior renovations include a new paint and trim job on the cedar shingles.

In celebration of the grand reopening, Ackerman and the store team are making donations to Gordon and Wolfe elementary schools, the Kingston Food Bank and the 2012 Miss Kingston Scholarship Fund.

The Kingston Albertsons is open every day from 6 a.m. to midnight.

SAV-ON Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.