Open for Business

National retailers Target, The Home Depot and T.J. Maxx opened in March at Branson’s new $33 million Branson Hills Plaza. The three anchor tenants at the northwest corner of U.S. 65 and Bee Creek interchange are important to Branson’s growth, said Michael Rankin, Branson’s economic development director. The stores employ about 435 combined. “It’s a huge step,” Rankin said. “It’s massive to have these types of retailers in your area. It shows the strength and buying power of our region.” Rankin said tourism makes Branson, a town of 6,315, operate as a city of 80,000, which appeals to national retailers. He said Branson Hills Plaza’s second phase, projected to begin this year, could bring a Wal-Mart Supercenter and a slew of other national retailers and restaurants to the site.

Target

After nearly a year of construction, Target opened March 5 at 1200 Branson Hills Parkway under Jerry McMillan’s direction. About 200 employees shelve and sell clothes, housewares, toiletries and electronics at the 125,000-square-foot store, one of 1,418 nationwide owned by Target Corp. Hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 243-4500.

The Home Depot

Mike Murphy oversaw the opening of The Home Depot on March 2 at 1000 Branson Hills Parkway. The home-improvement store has about 160 employees and 102,513 square feet of retail space, plus a 28,086-square-foot garden center. It’s one of 2,054 stores nationwide. Hours: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 336-2322.

T.J. Maxx

William Dike and about 75 employees opened T.J. Maxx on March 12 at 1100 Branson Hills Parkway. The 30,300-square-foot clothing and housewares store is one of 801 T.J. Maxx locations nationwide. The store is owned by The TJX Cos. Inc., which owns seven companies including Marshalls, Bob’s Stores and A.J. Wright. Hours: 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 336-9807.

Highland Place

Tammy and Ray Slentz opened Highland Place LLC on March 18 at 119 Highlandville Road in Highlandville. The 4,000-square-foot reception, banquet and meeting facility is equipped with a catering room, bar, dance floor, stage and sound system. The Slentzes are adding an outdoor chapel and 3,500-square-foot patio area, which should open this summer. An eight-hour wedding rental is $595. The couple also owns Travel Quest travel agency at the same address. Hours: 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (147) 443-2405.

Contact Cory Smith with your Open for Business submissions. He may be reached by e-mail, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 831-3238.