Warren County retail market is rebounding
After a noticeable slump, it appears the local retail market is finally on the rebound. With any luck, Warren County’s overall economy will be right behind.
The news that Lowe’s has agreed to locate a store in Cumberland Plaza couldn’t be much better for that shopping center. It should also inject some energy into retail sales for the area.
For starters, Warren County residents who are now driving to Murfreesboro to shop at Lowe’s will more than likely stay at home. And with a Lowe’s in town, it’s one more reason for out-of-town shoppers to circle McMinnville as a destination point.
It stands to reason if shoppers from Smithville and Tracy City, Woodbury and everywhere in between come to McMinnville for Lowe’s, there’s a good chance they might also stop to grab a bite to eat. They might also cruise over to Northgate Shopping Center or Three Star Mall and do a little business there.
It’s a win-win situation all the way around and the businesses who have struggled through years at the ghost town known as Cumberland Plaza will finally have a major anchor to stimulate some traffic.
But Lowe’s isn’t the only ray of hope for this county in recent months. There’s also a new Ford dealer in town who appears geared toward customer satisfaction and serving the community.
Terry Kidd has bought the property which was formerly Willmore Ford and renamed it McMinnville Ford. Not only does that give us a nearby location to shop for Ford products, it also brings a certified service department back to the county.
And to add another piece of cake to the celebration party, Three Star Mall has announced it will have a new anchor store opening probably by the end of the summer in U.S. Factory Outlets. The retail chain is known for its low prices and merchandise that’s family oriented.
Just when the retail market was looking less than perky, with our Ford dealership leaving town and the mall still grasping for a major anchor at one end, there has suddenly been a burst of activity.
If we can hold on to our existing industry, maybe the local economy is on its way back.