TigerTown: in the process of adding a Kohl’s and a Bed Bath & Beyond to its store lineup. Lindsey Davidson / PHOTO EDITOR
TigerTown, the largest retail center in east Alabama, is in the process of adding more stores. The construction of Kohl’s has been under way since early spring of this year and is set to open before this Christmas season. Kohl’s offers such things as apparel, shoes, accessories, small electronics and bedding. It specializes in offering nationally branded products at locally competitive prices.
Bed Bath & Beyond has recently announced its newest location in TigerTown, which will be between Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The store, which offers household goods and home furnishings, will open in late October or early November, according to Mayor of Opelika, Gary Fuller.
“It looks like they’re making great progress,” Fuller said.
Two other additions to TigerTown will include a Marriott Fairfield, expected to be open by Oct. 1, followed by a Marriott Courtyard. The shopping center, located at the intersection of Interstate 85 and Highway 280, is developed by Newton Oldacre McDonald and is almost one million square feet with all of its new growth.
“We’re very excited about Kohl’s and Bed Bath & Beyond — both are great additions to TigerTown,” Fuller said.
Fuller also said he appreciated the additional sales tax revenue the new additions to TigerTown will create. TigerTown’s development began in 2003, and the 130-acre development has been growing ever since.
“We know that the developer is in constant contact with the negotiation of other stores, but you know, there’s not that many spots left out there,” said Al Cook, director of economic development for the city of Opelika.
Upon completion, TigerTown will draw much more business than it did before. The newest stores in the retail center will benefit Opelika and Auburn and bring in more students.
“I am more interested in Bed Bath & Beyond than Kohl’s, because they have a wider variety of products that appeal to my taste,” said Jessica Daniel, a junior in graphic design.
Mayor Fuller said the stores will be convenient, because they won’t require people to spend a lot of money on gas to drive to further locations for shopping.
“It gives our citizens of Opelika, Auburn and east Alabama more shopping opportunities. It keeps dollars at home, where our citizens won’t have to go to Columbus or Montgomery to shop in fine stores,” Cook said.
TigerTown stores include Target, Kroger, Old Navy, Petco, Hobby Lobby, Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, World Market, Party City, Books-A-Million and many more.
