Big changes have been happening with retailers along Miller Road in Flint Township this year.
Lots of new businesses have been popping up, as well some old ones moving to new locations.
The longtime Target store is in the process of a makeover. Burlington Coat Factory has taken up residence next to DSW shoe warehouse.
That is only one of the many changes reshaping the corridor.
“It’s an exciting time right now. We have a lot of re-investment. We’re seeing a lot new investment and we are seeing new companies coming to our area,” said Flint Township Economic Enhancement Director Tracey Tucker.
She said the township continues to attract new businesses to the area despite some recent departures. The area around the Genesee Valley Center mall has been particularly busy.
Wahlburgers is coming to a storefront near Mo Pete’s Sports Retreat, which opened last winter. H&M recently opened its first Mid-Michigan store while Forever 21 is expanding its presence to 20,000 square feet in the mall.
Tucker said vacant buildings don’t seem to stay that way for long, which is another positive sign for the area. The old Kmart store is an example of that.
“That’s a huge building to try to fill and we do have, we’ve been working with U-Haul for about six or eight months now and they did get site plan approved at the planning commission level last month,” said Tucker.
The township is working to make the area attractive for consumers and investors.
“Our board has been very pro business and they are looking for ways to make it easier for businesses to come here,” said Tucker
With restaurants and retail shops thriving, she said the next step is create an all-around destination spot.
“What we are trying to do is to draw more events and also things for people to do,” Tucker said. “Destinations to go to, so not only can you do a dinner and a movie and then Planet 3 Extreme, but things for you to do.”
