News Summary
Rural King has filed plans to establish a new location in Columbus, Mississippi, taking over the former K-Mart site. The company plans an $8 million renovation, creating approximately 70 jobs and boosting the local economy. The move comes as the community also sees the closure of some retail spaces, but new businesses like ‘The Gym’ and ‘North Mississippi Auto’ are opening, showcasing Columbus’s growth potential.
Exciting Developments for Columbus, Mississippi!
Columbus is buzzing with some exciting news as Rural King has officially filed plans with the city’s building office indicating their interest in taking over the former K-Mart lot. Building Official Kenny Wiegel has confirmed that this move gets the retailer one step closer to setting up shop in our vibrant community!
Plans in the Works
Since the initial report surfaced back in October of last year, blueprints have already been received, and it won’t be long until the necessary permits are on their way. Rural King, founded back in 1960 and based in Mattoon, Illinois, is known for its variety of farm supplies, home goods, and outdoor living products. With a current roster of 133 locations across 13 states, Columbus will be proud to host the very first Rural King in Mississippi.
Investment and Job Creation
What’s even more exciting is that the company is expected to invest about $8 million into the renovation of the expansive 110,000 square-foot building that has remained empty since K-Mart’s closure in 2018. Rural King plans to occupy around 90,000 square feet of this space, and with that comes the potential creation of up to 70 local jobs! This move could mean an annual payroll of around $1 million pumping into our economy. It’s certainly a win-win for everyone!
Current Retail Landscape
While we’re all excited about the upcoming changes, there’s also some bittersweet news on the retail front. The Columbus pOpshelf store has announced that it will close by April 15, offering a store-wide 50% discount before closing its doors. This is part of a bigger trend, as Dollar General revealed plans to close 45 pOpshelf stores and 96 Dollar General locations this year after issuing their quarterly report. The pOpshelf stores started opening just a few years ago in 2020 and are part of Dollar General‘s expansive reach of over 20,000 stores across 48 states.
New Local Businesses Rising
Amid some closures, Columbus is also seeing some fresh faces in the business community! Jessica Tackett is thrilled to announce the opening of her new fitness facility called The Gym at 471 Wilkins Wise Road, which is expected to open within the next month. Spanning over 8,000 square feet and operating 24/7, this gym will feature state-of-the-art equipment and a variety of fitness classes designed to cater to all fitness levels. It’s a great time for health enthusiasts in our community to get excited!
A New Auto Dealership Joins the Mix
Additionally, North Mississippi Auto, a used car dealership opened by Jake McGill, has just launched at 314 Ninth Ave. N. With years of experience in the car sales industry under his belt, Jake is excited to step into this new role following his father’s retirement from sales. North Mississippi Auto operates from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and offers an online presence at northmississippiauto.com, making it easy for shoppers to browse their inventory from home.
In Conclusion
With these exciting developments, it looks like Columbus is on the brink of some significant changes. From the anticipated arrival of Rural King to the introduction of new fitness and auto businesses, our community is buzzing with opportunity and growth. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a bright future!
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Columbus Dispatch: Rural King Location Moves Forward
- WTVA: New Rural King Store Set to Open Next Year
- WCBI: Rural King Store Will Soon Replace K-Mart Building
- Wikipedia: Rural King
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rural Retailing
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
