Charger News

New Stores come to Jackson Plaza

Brooke Randolph and Kristen Herd, Charger Staff

Everyone has heard rumors about new stores coming to Cookeville. After speaking with city manager Jim D. Shipley and Director of Planning Codes Jeff Littrell, here are the facts. Everyone by now has probably noticed the buildings at the Jackson Plaza shopping center being constructed on West Jackson St. that are soon to be TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Verizon Wireless, and Kirklands. These stores are hoping to be open before Christmas.

Shipley says the reason that companies decided to build here is the growing economy in Cookeville. “People see the other stores and think that they [their stores] will work,” says Shipley.

With all these new stores being built, new job oppurtunities will also be coming to Cookeville very shortly and just in time for the holidays. “The economy will benefit from the tax revenue coming in with all the new stores,” Jeff Littrell stated.

Rumors of a Target or Olive Garden coming to Cookeville are false as far as the city knows for at least another year. There are some plans coming through for a few other stores. These include: White Castle, Rugged Outwear, Sams Club, Honey Baked Ham, Marble Slab Ice Cream, Obscure Coffee, and Cheddar’s Casual Cafe.

These new businesses are both good and bad for the Cookeville community: more traffic, but more shopping!