The Andalusia Goody’s store will reopen April 7.
Specialty Retailers Inc., a Texas-based retailer and subsidiary of Stage Stores, acq-uired the Goody’s trademark when the company declared bankruptcy in 2009.
Bob Aronson, vice president of investor relations for Stages Stores, said Tuesday the store is expected to employ seven people.
“Our bottom line is that we bring big brands to small towns,” Aronson said. “We try to understand the area we’re going into and tailor the merchandise in our store based on what the community is looking for.
“There is a Peebles (in Opp),” Aronson said, speaking of one of four names under which the Texas retailer operates. “So, shoppers – they can expect merchandise similar to what’s found there such as the brands and labels, as well as the format of the store.”
Aronson said the seven employees will consist of one store manager, three full time and three part time employees.
“Since we have the (Peebles) store in the area, we might try to move some employees around,” he said. “If not, we will run help wanted ads soliciting resumes in the near future.”
Aronson said the new store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.
Corporate officials are making plans to reopen the Goody’s store in its previous Westgate Plaza location, according to the Web site of its parent company.
Specialty Retailers Inc., a Texas-based retailer and subsidiary of Stage Stores, acquired the Goody’s trademark when the company declared bankruptcy in 2009.
“We recognized by Goody’s going out of business that it left a void in a lot of markets,” said Bob Aronson, Stage Stores vice president of investor relations, in a previous interview with another media outlet. “There are a number of desirable markets that would be good for our stores. Goody’s has strong name recognition in those areas. By acquiring the rights to the name, it gives us the flexibility to use it if we choose to.”
Many Goody’s shoppers might be familiar with Stage Stores if they’ve shopped in the Opp location of Peebles, one of four names under which the Texas retailer operates.
The Web site lists the opening date as “coming soon.”
John Tisdale, who owns Westgate Plaza, declined to comment on the company’s return. Phone calls to the corporate office also went unreturned on Friday.
Tisdale did confirm that a new steak house will open in the former location of Mendoza’s in coming weeks. The restaurant also is in Westgate Plaza.
The City of Andalusia’s Ambassadors will be among the 92 entries in Monday’s parade saluting the inauguration of Dr. Robert Bentley as Alabama’s 53rd governor.
The local group, comprised of 12 Andalusia High School students selected in an interview process, will be the 58th feature in the parade that will be led by the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band.
Jerri Stroud, who directs the ambassadors for the city, said the school system was contacted about the band’s participation. When there was a conflict with that, Superintendent Ted Watson suggested the ambassadors, as they represent both the school and the city.
“This is a great opportunity for these kids,” Mrs. Stroud said.
Monday’s weather will be slightly cool and there is a 40 percent chance of rain. But Mrs. Stroud said the group will march up Dexter Avenue in dress uniform.
“I told them to wear thermals underneath,” she said.
The group will leave Andalusia about 6 a.m., and will stay for afternoon events in Montgomery Biscuits Stadium if the weather holds.
Ambassadors include Dilan Manring, Michael Kelly, Stephen Caton, Millard McWhorter, Jay Brewer, Sam Fairley, Catherine Grace Searcey, Kathryn Williams, Anna Bay McCord, Haley Moody, Devin Williamson and Morgan Palmer.
The Andalusia City Council last night rezoned property on U.S. 29 South from residential to business.
Director of Planning Andy Wiggins said the property, referred to as the Wallace property, is next to Southside Baptist Church and in front of the Chamber of Commerce. It is surrounded by similarly zoned property, he said.
The council, which moved its meeting from its regular Tuesday night schedule so that members could attend the chamber banquet, also:
• agreed to pay half of the cost of relocating a gas line in the construction of the industrial access road.
• announced two openings on the Andalusia Public Library Board.
Looking to take a trip to somewhere that has natural beauty, rich culture, historic cities and friendly locals?
Ireland may be the place for you, and Andalusia’s Adult Activity Center is looking for locals who are interested in taking the trip.
The tour will include a Burlington Cabaret dinner and show, Bunratty Castle, a medieval banquet, Dublin Castle, kiss the Blarney stone, visit the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Blarney Wooden Mills and Japanese gardens, among other scenes.
The exact itinerary will depend on how many people sign up, Debbie Carter of the AAC said.
“I had never thought of Ireland until my daughter went,” she said. “It’s a beautiful, breathtaking country.
“Every-thing is green in the winter months,” she said. “So I’m sure the summer months will be beautiful. A lot of local citizens have ancestors from there.”
Carter said that anyone age 21 and up is welcome to go on the trip.
“Although we don’t have the exact cost mapped out, it will depend on the number of people going, and the exact date we go,” she said. “The price will include a plane ticket, bus tour and a lot of the meals will be included. Our plan is to go sometime this summer.”
Carter said the plan is to take a six or eight-day tour, but said it will probably be a six-day, four-night trip.
“Also, people considering going should remember they will need a passport,” she said.
Anyone interested in going on the trip, should contact the AAC at 222-6891 no later than Feb. 14.
“It’s going to be a great trip,” Carter said. “So, don’t miss out.”