Columbus Retail Scene Shifts as Cato Announces Closure and New Ventures Emerge

Columbus Faces Retail Shake-Up: Cato Marks Another Closure

Columbus residents are witnessing a shifting landscape in their shopping options as Cato prepares to close its doors at Columbus Place after nearly a month of significant retail changes. This beloved store, located at 1404 Old Aberdeen Road, is officially set to shut down, with Christmas Eve being its final day of operation.

A Sneak Peek into the Retail Scene

For those keeping track, Cato isn’t the first retailer to announce its departure from Columbus Place. Just last month, Bealls revealed it would also be closing, with its last day being this past Friday. This kind of turnover leaves many residents wondering what’s next for this once-thriving shopping center.

At the moment, a handful of stores still remain open at Columbus Place, including Claire’s, Prestige, Five Below, Hobby Lobby, Mobi Care, Dollar Tree, Planet Fitness, American Deli, City Gear, Hibbett Sports, and the outparcels Trustmark and Hardee’s. However, it’s notable that Columbus Place houses 37 retail spaces, and if current trends continue, only 12 of them will be occupied by the end of the month.

A New Gem in Downtown Columbus

New developments are sprouting up downtown, like the soon-to-open Sola Cigar Co., which promises to bring a boutique cigar lounge to 423 Third Ave. S. It sounds like a cozy spot for cigar lovers, and folks are eagerly awaiting its grand opening, expected toward the end of this year or early next year.

Restaurant Hurdles: Yummy Teriyaki Remains Short-Lived

On the culinary front, Columbus has also faced some challenges. The trendy hibachi eatery Yummy Teriyaki, which had just opened in the former Backyard Burger location, has closed its doors for good after only five months of service. Following its recent announcement on Facebook, it seems the restaurant wasn’t able to attract enough customers to sustain its operations. With its website now inactive, it’s clear that this dining spot was unable to weather the competition.

Expanding Community Services

While some businesses are exiting, others are expanding to meet pressing community needs. The Children’s Health Center of Columbus is ramping up its services to cater to the increased demand for adolescent behavioral support. They have seen a “drastic increase in adolescent behavioral issues” recently, attributing it to various factors like the pandemic and social unrest.

To address this rising need, Children’s has acquired the former Cadence building at 120 N. Lehmberg Road. This new location will be known as Thrive, a specialized clinic aimed at providing mental health support for young individuals aged 4 to 26. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 4 p.m. on January 9, and it’s sure to be a moment of celebration for families in the area.

New Beginnings in Starkville

Neighboring Starkville is also getting in on the action, with a new counseling center called Oasis Counseling celebrating its ribbon-cutting last week at 1085 Stark Road Suite F. This facility offers a variety of services, including therapy for addiction, children, couples, and trauma. With locations in both Starkville and Ridgeland, Oasis aims to provide support for those needing mental health services.

As both Columbus and Starkville navigate these retail and service changes, it’s evident that the community is resilient. Local businesses are the heart of our towns.