A new strip mall is going up in West Point.
Jim Khalaf, a developer based in McComb, Mississippi, confirmed to The Dispatch on Wednesday that he is building a 10,575 square foot structure near the Walmart on Highway 45 Alternate in West Point. The city has signed off on the plans. The next step is for Walmart, which Khalaf bought the property from, to sign off on them.
The plan is for the building to house five to seven retail businesses, Khalaf said. Each one will need roughly 1,500 square feet. Maybe a nail salon. Maybe a Subway. Maybe a check cashing business. Maybe a cellular telephone retailer.
Khalaf has similar malls near Walmarts in McComb and Hazlehurt. He told The Dispatch his plan is to eventually open “40 to 50” across Mississippi.
Dirt work has begun on the West Point project. It should be up and running by sometime in January.
Over in Starkville, a new boys group home will have its grand opening later this month.
Cedar Pointe Therapy Group Home, which is under the umbrella of Millcreek of Pontotoc, is located at 1234 Rachel Turner Drive.
Willie Garner, the home’s program director, said it is equipped to house 10 boys, ages 12 to 18, who are in the custody of the Department of Human Services. The home’s goal is to help boys receive behavioral, educational, emotional, spiritual and social needs, Garner said.
The home’s grand opening is from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 30. The public is invited.
Cedar Pointe Therapy Group Home will employ roughly 15 people.
Staying in Starkville, we decided to check in with The Lodge, a mainstay business at 408 Southdale Center that sells all things Mississippi State. The Bulldog football team, which has a bye this weekend, is ranked No. 1 in the nation. A manager told The Dispatch that for the first time in The Lodge’s 35-year-old history, they have sold out of cowbells. They still have some small and jumbo versions on the shelves, but the medium versions, which are the most popular, are gone.
Lastly, in Columbus, Woo Lingerie Boutique appears to have closed — the windows are empty, the doors locked. The business moved into 107 5th St. in March.
Browning on Business is a weekly column that runs each Thursday. We want your input. Send items and tips to [email protected] or [email protected].
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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