News Photo by Steve Schulwitz The steel frame of the new Marshalls in Alpena takes shape on Thursday. The new store is expected to open this summer.

ALPENA — Milder than normal winter weather in Alpena has benefited the construction of the new Marshalls being built on Bagley Street near the entrance to Meijer.

When driving by the construction site, passersby can notice the steel framework of the store is beginning to take form.

Mike Mahler, Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce economic development director, said contractors hoped to be able to work through the winter and make enough progress so the developer could turn the keys over to the company in late spring or early summer, to start stocking the store and hiring employees.

“I think the plan is to have it open for customers by mid-summer,” Mahler said. “We’ve had great weather, the ground is workable, so without any doubt I think everyone is very happy with the progress.”

The new 22,365 square-foot store will be owned by Alpena Retail North LLC and built on the property between Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union and the Meijer entrance on Bagley Street. Marshalls — which is owned by TJX Companies — has more than 1,000 locations in the United States

Once completed, the building will face inward toward the Meijer parking lot and have a parking lot big enough for 100 vehicles and several areas for bicycles.

The merchandise at Marshalls includes clothing, accessories, shoes, home goods, tech accessories, luggage and beauty products, according to the store’s website.

Once open, the new retailer should fill a large need in the community as the local retail landscape has taken a hit over the last several years.

Retail stores that have closed locally in recent years include Peebles, JCPenney, as well as all of the other shops in the former Alpena Mall, which is now used for manufacturing. Local grocery store Neiman’s Family Market also closed its doors in 2020.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.