Retail changes coming in Cedar Rapids

With the closing of Westdale Mall and construction of new commercial centers, the retail picture is changing in southwest Cedar Rapids,

Discount Tire, a national tire and wheel retailer, is expanding its Iowa presence with the construction of a 6,947-square-foot store at 3050 Wiley Blvd. SW on the perimeter of Wiley Point, which anchored by an 81,000-square-foot Kohl's.

Rob Wise, regional vice president for Discount Tire, said the store will employ about 10 people with a mix of full- and part-time employees. Wise said the store is projected to open around Sept. 1, depending on various conditions and schedules.

'The growth of Cedar Rapids among residents and businesses has made it a perfect fit for Discount Tire,' Wise said.

The privately-owned Scottsdale, Ariz., company sells the Goodyear, Michelin, Bridgestone, Yokohama, Kumho, BFGoodrich, Pirelli, Hankook, Falken, Fisk and GT Radial brands. Founded in 1960, Discount Tire has grown to more than 870 stores in 28 states.

Discount Tire opened a store last fall in the former Sears Auto space at Coral Ridge Mall. It previously opened two stores in Davenport.

Wise said Iowans should expect to see additional Discount Tire locations in coming years.

Contractors are preparing a 5,800-square-foot space in Edgewood Station at 2320 Edgewood Rd. SW for Elevate, formerly City Looks at Westdale Mall. The salon and spa, which will close April 26 and plans to open April 29 at its new location, was granted a reprieve when the mall doors were locked on March 31.

Gerry Ambrose, co-owner and developer of Edgewood Station, said a lease has been finalized with General Nutrition Center, a former Westdale tenant, for the remaining space in Edgewood Station.

Ambrose confirmed that LensCrafters, also formerly in Westdale, will be moving into Edgewood Market later this summer. The retailer will occupy space formerly leased by U.S. Cellular, which moved earlier this year to a larger location in the shopping center at Edgewood Road and Wilson Avenue SW.