Columbus Observes Exciting Changes in Retail Landscape
In Columbus, the atmosphere is buzzing with a sense of renewal and optimism. Just a few years back, the city’s vibrant retail scene seemed on the verge of collapse. Major shopping hubs like Leigh Mall and the former K-Mart had become shadows of their former selves, with empty storefronts and a noticeable decline in foot traffic. Fast forward to today, and the winds of change are blowing in a positive direction.
A Look Back: The Ghost Town Years
It’s hard to imagine, but not too long ago, these once-thriving retail hotspots were mere memories of better days. Leigh Mall, once a bustling center for shoppers, had dwindled down to just a handful of tenants. Its condition was alarming, and it stood as a stark reminder of what could happen when retail fails to adapt. Meanwhile, a bit further north, K-Mart closed its doors, leaving a void in the market and a complexion that lacked vitality.
However, the dawn of a new era arrived in 2019 when the Hull Company, a Georgia-based firm, purchased the Leigh Mall property. This acquisition ignited a spark of hope among Columbus residents. Though progress has been gradual, improvements made to the space, now called Columbus Place, have been quite encouraging.
Positive Developments at the K-Mart Site
While developments at Columbus Place have been slowly taking shape, something exciting began to brew at the K-Mart site. In 2022, the opening of several businesses, including Kidz-N-Play, Two Maids cleaning service, and Outlaw Sporting Goods, gave the northern part of the shopping center fresh life. The driving force behind these renovations came from former Mississippi State University and Seattle Seahawks player Gabe Jackson and his wife Eryn Jackson, who have committed to revitalizing both Starkville and Columbus.
Good News on the Horizon
Recently, hope got another boost! The Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO met with the Columbus City Council to discuss the potential for a significant retailer to occupy the former K-Mart building, which has sat empty for six long years. During this session, support was sought for an incentive deal, aimed at attracting a major tenant into the 110,000 square foot space. The deal mirrors the Columbus Place agreement and is structured based on the new owner’s investments in making the property vibrant again.
Almost all council members voted in favor, with the exception of Ward 2 councilman Joseph Mickens. While details about the potential new owner will remain under wraps until October 1, excitement is palpable. The most significant takeaway from this deal is the commitment to lifting the ghost-town feel of the property. The aesthetics of our shopping centers matter; they influence perceptions of Columbus’s retail vitality.
Immediate Benefits Expected
One of the standout aspects of this potential deal is that the property will be owner-operated. Unlike the slow tenant-recruitment process faced at Columbus Place, the new owners of the K-Mart site will begin generating revenue and creating jobs right away. This immediacy is crucial for the community and will contribute positively to the local economy.
It has been shared that the company targeting the K-Mart site has a solid reputation and expects annual sales to reach a remarkable $20 million. This could be the catalyst Columbus needs to attract even more interest from outside firms.
Looking Ahead
The changes at Columbus Place and the plans for the K-Mart area provide a shining light on the city’s potential for a robust retail future. Looking back just six years, it was a different story. We are now witnessing a wave of optimism as our city draws the interest of outside companies.
It’s undoubtedly a transformative period for Columbus, and the community has every reason to feel excited about what lies ahead. Whether it’s shopping or local businesses flourishing, the message is clear: Columbus is on the rise, and the best is yet to come!
