Some big name businesses will soon be moving into the former Target store in Chatham.
President of Brad-Lea Meadows Ltd. Dean Bradley and Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff announced in a pre-recorded video via social media on Thursday afternoon that Sephora, The Brick, and Ardene will be among the first to settle into their newly renovated spaces at the Thames-Lea Plaza over the next few months. The former Target building is undergoing a major redevelopment this summer.
Both The Brick and Ardene are relocating to the Thames-Lea Plaza at Grand Avenue and Keil Drive from their current locations at 990 Richmond Street and the Downtown Chatham Centre mall.
Bradley said Sephora, a "world-renowned" personal care and beauty supply retailer, will hopefully be open by the end of the summer, while The Brick is expected to be open by June and Ardene should be open by early fall.
Bradley added that more buildings for quick serve restaurants will also be built in the front of the plaza, closer to Grand Avenue, and will be called "chicken alley." The plaza has a sign in the parking lot saying a Swiss Chalet is ‘coming soon’ and a Kentucky Fried Chicken across the street. Construction on those restaurant sites should start by the end of the year, said Bradley.
"We are excited to welcome Sephora to our community, and The Brick and Ardene to their new locations" said Bradley. "Their presence will not only provide Chatham-Kent residents and visitors with convenient access to exceptional products but also create job opportunities within our growing community. We look forward to the positive impact these new stores will bring to our vibrant municipality."
Chatham-Kent's Economic Development Marketing and Communications Officer Eric Labadie noted there's also a 19,000 square foot space still available within the newly renovated space.
“Chatham-Kent is working diligently to become more and more attractive for both small business and big brand name investments. The addition of Sephora to CK’s retail lineup moves us closer to establishing Chatham-Kent as a shopping destination,” said Canniff. “By creating a thriving retail environment that meets the diverse needs of our community members and visitors, we’re not only keeping dollars in CK, we’re keeping people here, employees here, and families here.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said more details will be announced over the next few months.