HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. – New development in Holland Township is revamping a strip mall that sat nearly empty the last four years. The former Home Depot off of US-31 and Greenly Street is buzzing with construction adding at least three retailers.
Holland Township Department of Building Safety Official Mike Winkler told FOX 17 he issued permits to build three businesses: Five below, a women’s clothing store called Maurice’s, and Home Goods.
Neighboring business Rue 21 employees said this means more customers.
“It’s great for us as well for them to come here: new businesses draw in more people,” said Michelle Guerrero, Rue 21 sales associate. “They want to know what’s new here, it’s good.”
Rue 21 and Dick’s Sporting Goods just opened adjacent to the empty lots October 2014, according to store managers. Since opening, Rue 21 Assistant Manager Alyssa Coveart said they have seen growth despite empty businesses next door.
“For the month of December, Rue 21 was the number one retailer in the country, we were up 10.5 percent for comp sales, so a ton of growth in this company,” said Coveart.
“Especially in this area, a lot of people don’t have to drive to Grandville to shop, so we’ve had a lot of really good feedback here," Coveart said.
Some shoppers second that, and said spending locally saves them a 40-minute drive and money.
“I don’t have to go all the way to Grandville, so it’s really local and there’s a bunch of different variety,” said Cierra Fulps, high school senior. “It saves time and money because you don’t have to pay for gas and then parking and all that stuff.”
Winkler said Hutton Real Estate Group out of Chattanooga, Tennessee bought the property.
He said Maurice’s is spending about $150,000 to build, Five Below is spending about $448,000 to build, and then Home Goods is spending about $1 million.
