One of the largest national clothing retailers and a major arts and crafts store are coming to the same vacant shopping complex in Macomb.
A Hobby Lobby and TJ Maxx and will open in the former Kmart building at 1325 E. Jackson St. in Macomb. The building has been empty since 2016.
Kim Pierce, executive director of the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, tells WGIL one of the stores could open late this year, and both will be open by the first quarter of 2025.
The shopping center, which is being developed by California-based Carrington Company, will be called Prairie Crossing.
“From the time Kmart left to today, it’s been a long time, coming,” Pierce said. “Carrington likes smaller, rural markets — like us.
“They told us what their vision and we — including the mayor and Macomb City Council — were 110 percent in to facilitate the development.”
A third, yet undetermined tenant is expected to complete the project.
“These stores are going to bring people in, and keep people here,” Pierce said. “Hobby Lobby and TJ Maxx are in other areas within our demographic region, but it’s a drive. Hopefully people will now travel to Macomb to shop, maybe stick around to eat, buy guy and partake in some of our other amusements here.”
Hobby Lobby has nearby stores in Peoria, the Quad Cities and Burlington, Iowa. TJ Maxx has stores in Peoria and the Quad Cities.
Pierce said having a state school like Western Illinois University also drives the need for expanded retail offerings.
“We have WIU where a lot of people come from bigger demographic areas, they’re used to seeing certain stores and they want options,” she said. “This makes our community stronger.
“This will just open the market up for more development. Development breeds more development, and we’re excited for it.”
