Reed’s Jewelers is becoming the latest store in Leigh Mall to close.
A going-out-of-business sale is underway at the location with everything in the store priced at up to 60-percent off. Jack McGee, who has managed the Columbus location for decades alongside his wife Rebecca, said the store should close by the end of the year.
“It’s been wonderful,” Jack McGee said. “We love the people. But Rebecca and I are both retiring.”
Driefus Jewelers was one of the original stores in Leigh Mall when the mall opened in 1973. Reed’s, a family owned chain with more than 80 stores nationwide, bought Driefus in 1984, Jack McGee said.
With another store closing, that makes only 22 of 35 retail spaces in the 308,000 square-foot Leigh Mall occupied.
JCPenney permanently closed this summer, and Radio Shack, another long-term tenant, also left this year.
Now, Hobby Lobby is the only anchor store. And other stores like Books-A-Million, Burke’s Outlet and Shoe Department still stand, too.
On the bright side, the Planet Fitness planned for the 18,000 square-foot warehouse space by Hobby Lobby is still coming to Leigh Mall. According to Ken Wiegel, Columbus city building official, the company just received building permits last week. In the midst of many store closings, Planet Fitness is the only thing slated to open in the mall in the near future.
Another recent closing is Taylor Made Cakes. Although the Columbus location on Lincoln Road has closed, the location in New Hope has expanded in size and products offered. Taylor Made Cakes, which is owned by Lowndes county native Taylor Massey, offers specialty cakes, such as wedding cakes, and other baked goods.
In Starkville, expect to see Tuesday Morning relocate soon. The shop is currently located at 305 Highway 12 in the State Shopping Center, but will move across the street in a space next door to Bargain Hunt.
Penn’s Restaurant, located at 106 Avenue of Patriots, has closed. The building is now listed with Farmer Commercial Properties.
The North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point Wellness Center has announced it will offer a new service catered to young athletes.
Beginning in January, Competitive Edge personalized performance training will be offered to athletes in the area, ages 8-16, to help develop a foundation in fitness and sport training.
Classes will be held 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday prior to the start of spring sports. Limited slots are available at $50 per month.
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