The City of Durant will see several new businesses this year. Durant Industrial Authority Executive Director Tommy Kramer recently revealed at least five new businesses that will be established in the area over the next year.
Kramer said Rue 21 clothing store and Hibbett Sports sporting goods store will both be established in the Briarwood Shopping Center in the coming month.
Rue 21 is currently taking applications for employment and Kramer said that Hibbett Sports is in the final stages before opening.
According to workers on scene at the stores, Rue 21 will be open in approximately two weeks while Hibbett Sports will open Saturday at approximately 10 a.m.
Also opening soon is a new La Quinta Inn and Suites. The hotel is set to have its grand opening approximately in March.
The hotel will contain 68 rooms including 20 suites. According to Kramer this will be the first La Quinta Inn to feature the chain’s new design and color scheme.
Durant may also be getting a new CVS Pharmacy. CVS currently has the building where Homeland grocery store was located in the past under contract.
The company plans to remove the existing building and upgrade the site. Kramer said that there are several utility issues and while this is not a done deal, he feels positive about it.
Also coming into Durant this year is The Tile Shop manufacturing and distribution center.
The Tile Shop sell tiles, adhesives and maintenance supplies for ceramic tiles. The center will distribute to a predicted 30 stores in the chain over the next three years.
This addition, located on West Arkansas Street, will provide approximately 60 jobs over the next three years.
Other projects during 2013 include the Stuteville Chevrolet which will not be completed until 2014 as well as local road projects suspected to bring in more businesses to Durant.
Road projects in a project to repair a bridge and widen a section of road on South 9th Ave and an exit ramp at University Boulevard off Highway 75 southbound.








