New anchor should boost Three Star Mall
Monday’s announcement that U.S. Factory Outlets has reached an agreement with Three Star Mall is positive news for the county.
Since Kmart announced its intentions to leave the mall over a year ago, the overwhelming question has been “What’s going to replace it?” That question was finally answered Monday and U.S. Factory Outlets appears a solid choice.
It’s a close-out store, much like Big Lots for example, but CEO Fred Raiff was quick to proclaim his company a notch above Big Lots. He says U.S. Factory Outlets offers a wide selection of seasonal clothing and also emphasized a dollar center he says is extremely popular.
Since many Warren countians are unfamiliar with U.S. Factory Outlets – including a number of people at the Standard – we won’t be able to render a final verdict on the store until its expected opening in August.
But based on what information we know, it appears the store will draw people to Three Star Mall. If that’s indeed the case, it will be nothing but good news for other mall stores which will benefit from the increased traffic.
Some stores at the mall, apparently strong enough to stand on their own, haven’t been hurt by the departure of Kmart. Other stores have suffered noticeable dips in sales in the year since Kmart has been gone.
If U.S. Factory Outlets can draw people to the mall – people from other counties in addition to people in Warren County – it will be a tremendous asset. More people will ultimately mean more sales. There’s no way around it.
The arrival of U.S. Factory Outlets will also bring with it the arrival of new jobs. Store officials say they plan to initially hire around 60 employees and that number could increase if business is brisk.
While 60 retail jobs can’t compensate for the loss of over 300 manufacturing jobs at A.O. Smith, it is still 60 jobs nonetheless. And we welcome them into the community with open arms.
It’s also noteworthy to mention the rally which will take place Sunday at Three Star Mall beginning at 2 p.m. Called “Support Our Troops, Support America,” the rally will feature a number of patriotic events, including a keynote address from World War II veteran and former POW John Biddle.
Such an event shows how Three Star Mall is a vital part of our community.
For people who stop by the mall for a new pair of jeans or a pair of shoes, it may just be a retail outlet. But for folks who take their children to see Santa jump from an airplane during the holidays, or who stop by the mall for a gathering such as the one that’s scheduled Sunday, it’s plain to see how the mall means so much more to Warren County.
In this time of economic uncertainly, the Standard is pleased to see Three Star Mall land a new anchor. Hopefully this will be a new store that well serves the people of this community while also helping to maintain a heavy flow of traffic at the mall.