Exciting Transformation: Rural King to Replace K-Mart in Columbus, Boosting Jobs and Economy

Exciting Changes Coming to Columbus: Rural King Set to Replace K-Mart

Columbus, Mississippi, is getting ready to welcome a new tenant that promises to breathe life back into an old shopping spot. After standing empty for several years, the old K-Mart building is about to transform into a bustling Rural King superstore. This news has sparked excitement among locals, and rightly so!

A Boost to the Community

The city council approved a significant tax incentive of $2 million over ten years to facilitate the opening of the store. This dedicated funding aims to encourage the outdoor superstore to set up shop in Columbus, offering a wide variety of goods from firearms and clothing to lawn supplies and more. This new addition will not only benefit local shoppers but will also attract visitors from outside the region to spend money in the friendly city.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

In addition to enhancing the shopping experience for locals, the new store is expected to create around 60 job opportunities. This includes hiring for various roles that could be filled by community members, and even by those who may be retired and looking to re-enter the workforce. The sales tax generated from the new store is poised to have a significant impact on the city’s budget, which relies heavily on such revenue. The long-vacant K-Mart building has been a missed opportunity for sales tax income and finally turning it into a thriving store can change that situation.

First Rural King in Mississippi

With 133 Rural King locations across 13 states, this will mark the first store of its kind in Mississippi. Many locals are hopeful about the positive changes this can bring to the shopping scene in Columbus. The timing is perfect as the holidays are around the corner. The addition of a new shopping venue will provide residents with more options during peak shopping times.

Renovation Timeline

While the renovations for the new Rural King store are yet to begin, the projected completion timeline is set for late 2026 or early 2027. With local excitement building, residents are looking forward to seeing the transformation of the K-Mart property into a modern retail space filled with a variety of products.

As Columbus prepares for this exciting new chapter, the community has rallied around the prospect of job creation and increased shopping options. The anticipated opening of the Rural King store promises to not only revitalize a long-empty building but also generate enthusiasm among community members and contribute to the continued economic growth of the city.