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New retailer to open in Paris



A new retailer is coming to town, and both customers and economic developers couldn't be happier.

rue21 will be moving into Paris Towne Center in early November, subject to remodeling and construction constraints. The specialty soft good retailer will take over the space vacated by the Social Security Administration. "rue21 offers a broad assortment of the newest emerging fashion trends in apparel and accessories for girls and guys. Using a competitive pricing strategy, rue21 makes a specific, unique statement by offering fashion at a value," said Kelly Evanovich, associate manager of Center Marketing. "Wide selections of styles are always available for the fashion-conscious customer. With customers of all ages, rue21 appeals to all who have a flair for fashion."

Not only will rue21 offer a new fashion selection, the company will provide 10-15 new jobs for the area, and Paris and the surrounding area fit right into rue21's marketing strategy.

"rue21 focuses on secondary markets and rural areas; markets with fewer than 50,000 people," Evanovich said. "With competitive pricing and new styles arriving daily, stores are continually drawing traffic in these markets."
According to Rickey Hayes of Retail Attractions, under contract with Paris Economic Development Corp., Paris and its trade area is stable in the population, workforce and economy.

"Paris, we've been able to document and verify, does have a couple hundred thousand in its trade area. So when the national guys start seeing the market, it's just a matter of time until they start investing in the community," he said.

Hayes has worked with rue21 in several Oklahoma communities in the past and was contacted by rue21 brokers about six months ago. He suggested Paris at that time and received a favorable response. The lease deal was completed between rue21 and owners of Paris Towne Center, and a $185,000 building permit was issued by the city of Paris in August.

Hayes is encouraged to see rue21 come to Paris, and views it as a good sign of things to come for the area.
"Rue is what we like to call a market validator," Hayes said. "They validate a regional or micropolitan market, and they are usually some of the first ones in. It's a good sign of things to come."