Tim Landis: New stores starting construction

Two national retail chains, ROSS DRESS FOR LESS and FRANCESCAS COLLECTIONS, have started construction on Springfield stores, and a third, DSW SHOES, has filed for a construction permit.

Ross Dress for Less has begun conversion of the former Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts space in the Southwest Plaza shopping center at 3137 S. Veterans Parkway. Francescas is remodeling space in White Oaks Mall.

The lease already has been signed, said Connie Wong, corporate spokeswoman for Ross Dress For Less.

She said she could not yet discuss an opening date, but the store will have about 50 full- and part-time employees.

Springfield will become the southernmost market in Illinois for the California-based retailer. The company is opening two stores this weekend in the Chicago area, bringing its total in that market to 14. Ross Dress For Less has more than 1,000 stores in 29 states and $8.6 billion in annual revenues.

DSW Shoes also plans to move into Southwest Plaza, in a space next to PetSmart. The company has not announced a construction schedule, but it has filed for a renovation permit with the city Building and Zoning Department.

Francescas Collections is a womens clothing and accessories boutique targeted to 18-to-35-year-olds, according to the company website. The store is expected to open in April, mall representatives say.

HELZBERG DIAMONDS, meanwhile, has temporarily relocated within the mall while its existing space is remodeled and expanded. KIRLIN'S HALLMARK has also moved to a larger space at the mall. The projects are part of a major mall renovation scheduled for completion this spring.

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Employees of TOWN AND COUNTRY BANK of Springfield have committed to more than 500 community-service hours as part of the banks 50th anniversary celebration.

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Tim Landis: New stores starting construction