CLARKSBURG -- Area residents may eventually be shopping at a new, larger Lowe's Home Improvement store.
Amid speculation that Lowe's could be moving its operation to the new development at New Pointe Plaza, a corporate spokeswoman confirmed Friday the store is exploring options.
"We haven't closed on any deals yet, but we have evaluated the market and the Clarksburg store, which is one of our smaller stores, has been targeted for expansion or a new location. Nothing has been decided as far as where the store may be moved, but it should happen within the next year," said Suzanne McCoy, spokeswoman at Lowe's corporate headquarters in North Wilkesboro, N.C. "But as far as anything right now, we've not signed any deals, and not closed on any new property."
Expansion at New Pointe is moving right along, with Pier 1 Imports and Ruby Tuesday the latest additions to the shopping center. Developer Jim Lewis said Thursday that construction has started on a new 3,000-seat theater that will anchor one end of the newest part of New Pointe.
A second anchor store is slated for the other end, he said, with numerous shops in between. Lewis said no deals have been signed for the second anchor. Lewis would not comment about speculation on Lowe's.
The influx of new businesses at New Pointe has several city officials excited about the growth in the city.
"I think that when we hear rumors we're broke, it's wonderful when I can say I have facts that we are growing," Councilwoman Becky Lake said.
Regional writer James Fisher can be reached at 626-1446 or by e-mail at jfisher@exponent-telegram.com.
