These 4 retailers will move into the former Wisconsin Rapids Shopko. Here's what they'll offer.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Big Lots, Marshalls, Harbor Freight and Five Below will fill the former Shopko building in Wisconsin Rapids.
Tom Richards, a partner with Cool Investment LLC − an Arizona-based business that purchased the building in April 2022 − said construction will start in early spring of this year, and the four stores will aim to open in the second half of 2023 and early 2024.
“These tenants are first-class national operators and will create a lasting retail hub at this location,” Richards said. “We are grateful to achieve these results and complete in a single phase.”
The plans have been in the works for the last few months. In September, Richards told the Daily Tribune the future of the former big box store would be three or four retail spaces, each with their own entrances. Multiple retail stores expressed interest in the Shopko site, he said.
Crews worked on interior demolition last year, gutting the space to the walls, including demolishing a second-floor space. Richards said in September the company and its crews were getting a head start on construction before tenants were secured to show both the community and interested retailers they were fully committed to finishing the project and opening retail stores at the site.
Since the property sold in April, the goal was always to fill gaps in community needs. A month after the sale, Richards told the Daily Tribune the company was looking to make connections with retailers that could provide missing goods and services that weren’t offered in the area. Richards also said the company wanted to help retailers expand their reach in Wisconsin Rapids.
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Big Lots
The closest Big Lots stores can be found in Appleton, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Eau Claire and La Crosse. Big Lots will also be opening in Stevens Point. CORTA Stevens Point is working on a project redeveloping the Dunham’s Sports site on U.S. 10 East that will include Big Lots.
Big Lots is a Columbus, Ohio-based discount retailer with more than 1,400 stores across 47 states.
The retail store offers a variety of home décor and storage, furniture, bed and bath items, groceries, toys, clothing, accessories, household essentials, mattresses, patio furniture and more.
Big Lots started in 1967 as Consolidated International Inc., and the company launched the Odd Lots/Big Lots chain in 1982. In 2001, the group of stores were converted to a single Big Lots brand.
For more information, visit biglots.com or find Big Lots on Facebook.
Marshalls
The closest Marshalls stores can be found in Appleton, Beaver Dam, Madison, Middleton and Green Bay.
Marshalls is a department store owned by TJX Companies that also includes stores like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Sierra and Homesense.
Marshalls offers clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women, children and babies, beauty products, handbags, luggage, toys, books, home décor, furniture, lighting, bed and bath, kitchen, outdoor items, pet items, gifts and more.
According to the TJX website, Marshalls was the “second largest off-price retailer” in the United States when it became part of TJX in 1995.
For more information, visit marshalls.com or find Marshalls on Facebook.
Harbor Freight
The closest Harbor Freight stores can be found in Stevens Point, Rothschild and Marshfield.
Harbor Freight is a discount tool and hardware store based in Calabasas, California.
The retailer offers a variety of tools, automotive parts, generators, engines, lawn and garden, home and security, welding, plumbing, electrical, hardware, painting, construction, lighting and more items at lower prices. According to the company’s website, shoppers can find tools up to 80% less than competing brands.
Eric Smidt launched Harbor Freight Tools with his father in 1977. The brand now operates more than 1,300 stores across the country.
For more information, visit harborfreight.com or find Harbor Freight on Facebook.
Five Below
The closest Five Below stores can be found in Oshkosh, Appleton and Green Bay. Five Below also has plans to move into the site at Dunham’s Sports in Stevens Point. Marshfield’s city documents also show plans for a Five Below at the Marshfield Mall redevelopment site.
Five Below is a Pennsylvania-based retail store aimed toward “tweens, teens and beyond,” offering most items priced between $1 and $5. Shoppers can find a variety of toys, games, gadgets, tech accessories, beauty supplies, arts and crafts, sports, home décor, household items, pet supplies, candy, snacks, books, party supplies and more.
The retailer was founded in 2002 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and now operates more than 1,300 stores across 42 states.
For more information, visit fivebelow.com or find Five Below on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: These 4 retailers will move into the former Wisconsin Rapids Shopko
