The Asheville ABC Board on Jan. 6 hosted a grand opening for its newest local store at 3933 Sweeten Creek Road in Arden.

The 3,570-square-foot store opened for business in December, but officials chose to hold a formal opening ceremony in early January.

The store cost $923,820, which was financed from funds derived from the board’s sales and profits. It will employ two full-time workers and several part-timers, as needed.

Despite the economic downtown, local ABC officials say sales have been up in the last several months compared to last year.