South Jackson Continues To Lose Business
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South Jackson residents received some disappointing news Wednesday that the Kroger on South Highland is closing, and 50 employees will have to relocate to other stores in town. But what has residents more upset now is a growing number of businesses moving out of south Jackson and going north, or to other West Tennessee cities. Residents told 7 Eyewitness News there is business potential in south Jackson. They said those looking to build in the north part of town should take a second look at their area. Rebecca Wright said her pet supply store, Tail Wagger’z, does well, but it could do even better if more restaurants could come to south Jackson. “I hate the fact that so many businesses are closing up out here, instead of businesses coming out here,” Wright said. And the most recent case is the Kroger on South Highland Avenue, which told its employees it is closing June 16. Residents said they have had enough, and are calling for the city to renovate some areas, and bring in more restaurants, to draw people in. “You don’t want to close your business up and just only have businesses out north because there’s so many people that live out here, and come from surrounding areas that do shop with the smaller retailer. They don’t want to drive and shop at the bigger conglomerates,” Wright said. City officials said they are trying, but the bad economy makes it tough. “I have tried to speak to developers. I have contacted some corporate restaurants. Again, this is more than one person can do, and I think we are going to have to do a better job of marketing the assets that we have in south Jackson,” said District 1 Councilwoman Vicky Foote. Foote said she believes more businesses are moving north, because it is along Interstate 40. But regardless, she said she is not going to quit promoting the south part of town. According to Wright, it is what residents need. “You want some of the other things, and driving all the way out north to wait an hour to get fed or seated or whatever, it’s just not something a lot of people are willing to do, including myself,” Wright said. Foote told 7 Eyewitness News she does not know what is going to happen to the building once Kroger leaves. But she said she hopes Apria, which is already located in that shopping center, will expand and bring more jobs.
