Retailers expand boldly into Chattanooga with more on the way

A half-dozen nationally recognized retailers expanded into the Chattanooga area during 2014, and just as many have announced plans to add their names to the retail scene this year.

Anthropologie and J. Crew opened in Warehouse Row in November, marking the first time since the 1930s that premier national retailers had opened stores in Chattanooga's historic downtown retail corridor, according to Nathalie Strickland, publicist with Waterhouse PR for Warehouse Row.

In March, the first izakaya, a Japanese-style pub, is opening in Chattanooga -- yet another debut taking place in Warehouse Row. The pub, Two Ten Jack, will feature artisanal bowls of ramen, small plates, sake and hand-crafted cocktails -- all pairing Japanese-inspired comfort food with Southern ingredients.

Onward Reserve men's retailer also opened in Warehouse Row last year. Woodhouse Day Spa expects a summer opening in the downtown center.

J. Crew Factory, Sienna & Bellini, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and DXL opened locations at Hamilton Place, East Brainerd's suburban retail giant.

Joining them in 2015, according to marketing manager Catherine Wells, will be national retailers Pink, Zumiez, White Barn and Ethan Allen, along with Sola Salon.

Pink by Victoria's Secret will open a 3,603-square-foot, stand-alone store in the lower level of the mall near J Crew Factory. It is Pink's first Chattanooga location, although Hamilton Place already houses a Victoria's Secret store.

Zumiez is a specialty retailer of action sports apparel and gear for everyone from BMX bikers to snowboarders. White Barn, a concept store of Bath & Body Works, will offers hundreds of candles to shoppers. Wells says its location will be combined with Bath & Body Works in a renovation that will add 1,600-square-feet to an existing space.

Burlington Coat Factory's entrance into Chattanooga last fall was a noticeable addition to Hixson retail center, remodeling 63,000-square-feet near Sears. Other new businesses opening in the Hixson mall were Old Navy, Shoe Department Encore, Salons by JC and Old Chicago Pizza. Ulta Beauty, Massage Heights and Rue 21 are scheduled to join them by year's end.

Bradley Square Mall in Cleveland, Tenn., just completed a $15 million interior and exterior renovation. Shoppers will find new entrances, remodeled public restrooms, upgrades to the decor, new lighting, relocated food court, new landscaping and new marquee at the Cleveland mall. Joining the mall's merchants was Justice, a tween girls clothing store that opened in February 2014, according to publicist Hazel key of Key Advertising Inc.

"Calhoun Premium Outlets welcomed American Eagle Outfitters, The Craze and Signature Perfume to the center," said Linda Hale, general manager. Calhoun, Ga.'s outlet center on Interstate 75 is a popular stop for tourists, and day-trip for bargain-hunting Chattanoogans.

Outdoor enthusiasts cheered the news that fishing-hunting superstores Cabela and Bass Pro Shops will begin building franchise locations in the North Georgia/I-75 corridor, both expected to open in 2016. Bass Pro Shops plans an 85,000-square-foot Outpost at Exit 1 in East Ridge. Cabela's 70,000-square-foot superstore is planned for the Cloud Springs Road exit just across the Georgia state line.