Phil Riddle
editor@weatherforddemocrat.com
Headlines scream the economy is in the tank.
But you’d never know it by all the retail construction going on in Weatherford.
A national tire chain location, a fast casual Mexican restaurant, a dental group and a women’s accessories store are the latest additions to the city’s retail landscape.
Ooh, La La!, a women’s fashion accessory store, will take up residence just east of the JCPenney store in the 300,000-square-foot Weatherford Ridge shopping complex near the South Main/Interstate 20 intersection.
The Retail Connection of Dallas is developing the shopping center.
Jeremy Zidell, vice president of the firm, said the dip in the economy has made tenants look more closely at expanding into the Weatherford market, but, in the end, buildings are going up.
“It’s taken more time and dedication to get each deal done,” Zidell said, “but we’re still getting the green light from retailers.”
In addition to Ooh, La, La!, construction is ongoing at the site for a new location of Buffalo Wild Wings, Kincaid’s Hamburgers and All Star Clips.
Zidell also reported lease execution is almost complete for an upscale nail salon and spa, a fast casual Mexican restaurant and a dental group office.
Dennis Clayton, executive director of the Weatherford Economic Development Authority, said the number of commercial building permits are a good indicator of local economic strength.
“We’re still building retail space,” he said. “With all the existing and new retail space here, we’re becoming a regional shopping destination.”
Zidell said the location is attractive to his clients, even in a dicey economy.
“We’ve been very fortunate to perpetuate tenant confidence and we build on that,” he said. “Even in a time when retailers are less likely to expand. This is the type of center that stays on retailers’ radar.”
In addition to all the dirt being turned and concrete being poured at Weatherford Ridge, other city locations are seeing activity.
For example, construction is ongoing at the South Main locations of Firestone Tire Store and a credit union based in Fort Worth.
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PHIL RIDDLE/DEMOCRAT PHOTO
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