To celebrate her 100th birthday on November 1, Lowe’s employees surprised her with a special party. (Credit Zeno Group)
BRADLEY, Ill. - For five years, Gretchen Sollo has started each morning the same way: walking the aisles of her local Lowe’s in Bradley, Illinois.
What began as her version of a "mall walk" has turned Sollo into a familiar face at the store, particularly among employees. Over the years, she has logged an estimated 1,500 miles walking through the store.
Ahead of Sollo’s 100th birthday on Nov. 1, the Lowe’s team surprised her with a celebration in the aisles, complete with a blue carpet, balloon arch, birthday cake and a custom Lowe’s vest naming her an honorary member of the team.
Gretchen Sollo has walked the aisles of her local Lowe’s in Bradley, Illinois, every morning for five years, covering an estimated 1,500 miles.(Credit Zeno Group)
Sollo was surrounded by family, friends and employees from her local store.
Mom surprised with 100th birthday celebration at Lowe's
What they're saying:
"I still can't believe it. Every time I look around, there is somebody else I know. They're all here," Sollo said during the event.
Store manager Joe Jackson told PEOPLE that employees knew they wanted to honor Sollo, who has befriended many workers while maintaining her health and stamina by walking laps around the outer aisles of the Bradley location.
(Credit Zeno Group)
"Lowe’s values giving back to the community, and she’s really part of our family now," he said. "It’s kind of like we’re having a birthday party for our grandma."
As people clapped and cheered, Sollo appeared shocked but delighted by the celebration.
RELATED: Students on school bus serenade Arizona toddler for his 2nd birthday
"Everyone at Lowe's is so friendly here. I always tell people it's one of the nicest places to walk," Sollo shared.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by Zeno Group. This story was reported from Los Angeles.