1. Bargain Hunt: The discount retail chain will open a new location on Upper Valley Pike in the former Hobby Lobby site at 1390 Upper Valley Pike on Friday, Feb. 17.
The chain focuses on selling brand-name merchandise at discounts and will employ about 25 people. The chain plans a soft opening on Feb. 15.
MORE: Discount retailer to host Springfield grand opening
This will be the chain’s fifth store in Ohio, along with locations in Cincinnati, Columbus and Heath.
Bargain Hunt also has plans to open additional locations in the state later this year, including Miamisburg in March and Hamilton in June.
2. Five Below: The Springfield shopping scene will receive another boost as Five Below is set to open a location on Bechtle Avenue, next to Dick's Sporting Goods.
RELATED: Five Below set to arrive in Springfield
The Philadelphia-based company sells bargain items within the range of $1 and $5.
According to Five Below officials, they are expecting a Spring 2017 opening.
3. Rural King: Rural King opened its doors in mid-April, 2016, filling the space left by K-Mart on Upper Valley Pike.
The Illinois-based agricultural company has been a needed boost for the Upper Valley Pike corridor and was cited as one reason Bargain Hunt selected the area for its store.
DETAILS: Rural King to open new store in Clark County
An average Rural King store employs about 25 full-time employees and 45 part-time workers.
The store sells everything from agricultural supplies to clothing and sporting goods.
The Springfield location is the company’s 87th store.
4. Dick's Sporting Goods: Dick's Sporting Goods officially opened on Tuesday, Oct. 25, becoming the 39th store in the state of Ohio and 673rd nationwide.
VIDEO: Dick’s Sporting Goods opens
The sporting goods chain was built in the former Ashley Furniture location.
During its grand opening weekend, Ohio State legend Archie Griffin came to Springfield for the festivities.
About the Author