CULLMAN —
We may be in a recession, but don’t tell that to the retail climate in Cullman.
Less than a year after a new TJ Maxx opened in town, it was announced last week that a new Goody’s clothing store will open here by the end of the year, under new owner Stage Stores.
You remember Goody’s, right? It was a staple of the Town Square Shopping Center for years, before briefly moving to the Marketplatz Shopping Center and closing about a year and a half ago.
Goody’s will now be returning to it’s roots, heading back to the old space it used to occupy at Town Square.
Hopefully, the return will breathe even more life into the shopping center, which lost draws such as the Carmike Cinemas movie theater and original Goody’s when the Marketplatz development opened beside the new Walmart on Olive Street.
With current offerings like Factory Connection, Hibbett Sporting Goods, Big Lots (one of my favorite stores to randomly browse), Tuesday Morning, Pet Depot, and other shops — the old shopping center is definitely maintaining it’s relevance.
Considering how some neighboring communities are struggling to attract and keep retail, Cullman appears to be doing a good job of maintaining it’s offerings.
A quick drive across town yields a Belk, JC Penney, TJ Maxx, Rue 21, Maurices, (soon to be) Goody’s, and others, so it’s obvious Cullman is well represented for a city it’s size.
Add in expansions, such as the recently opened Shoe Dept. Encore at the Cullman Shopping Center, and the retail industry at least seems to be weathering the sluggish economy on a local level.
As much as we may want more and more and more — like an Old Navy, or a Target — at least we do have some very solid options close to home.
Many communities, sadly, are not nearly as fortunate.
‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
Opinion
Rah rah retail
Business Casual
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