Trio of stores highlight Florence's retail future

By Justin B. Duke

Retail construction and renovation is under way in Florence.

This year Florence will see the opening of a Watsons superstore, Morris Home Furnishings, a new Verizon Wireless store and others.

These are all excellent redevelopment projects, said Josh Wice, Florences business/community development director.

The Watsons will be on Houston Road in the former Ethan Allen furniture store. Watsons currently has an accessory outlet on Mall Road, but the new store will offer much more, Wice said. Watsons sells pools, pool supplies and equipment along with indoor entertainment.

They will have the space to offer a full-service store with everything Watsons offers, he said.

The Verizon Wireless store is being built in the old Lonestar steakhouse lot on Mall Road. The new store will replace its current store across the street, and that building will be open for lease.

Morris Furniture is currently renovating the old Kmart building on Burlington Pike.

Having a company thats new to the area invest a significant amount of money in an existing building is an encouraging sign for Florences retail development, Wice said.

It will be very complementary to the surrounding business community, he said.

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Trio of stores highlight Florence's retail future