Hensley: Five Below, Beall’s Outlet, and Big Lots coming to Covington

Covington Mayor Jan Hensley was delighted to officially share the news during Tuesday’s meeting of the board of mayor and aldermen. 

“If you go out there on the north end of town, you’ll see we have a lot of … facelifts out there …” 

Long-time residents will know the area as “the old Walmart,” where the retail giant was located prior to its 2006 move to its current location, but the shopping center will soon hold a Five Below, Beall’s Outlet, and Big Lots. 

The three retail stores will be joining the Chinese Gourmet restaurant, Dynamix Physical Therapy, Reese Family Dentistry, Covington Credit, Dollar Tree, and Tractor Supply. 

“We’ll basically be completely full, maybe with one little bitty part left, but that is a huge addition to that north shopping center, to get some activity out there,” Hensley said. “So we won’t look so blighted and empty when you’re coming into town.” 

Last month the mayor announced Waffle House was coming to Covington. It will be located near Home Depot. 

“This is great and we have great revenue sources, so we’re excited for these people to come in and invest money with us and believe in us. We want to make sure when they get there we show them we’ll support them.” 

“Five Below is in my budget,” joked alderman John Edwards. 

Hensley added, “Me and you might have to go in together there …” 

Alderman C.H. Sullivan said his children, three teenaged daughters, love Five Below. 

“I’m so thankful for them. It’s really fun to sit here with these aldermen and alderlady and announce new businesses and people coming into our town and investing. We’re no longer a dying town, sittin’ still, we’re a town on the move and I’m thankful.” 

There is not yet word on when the new businesses may be opening, but renovations are underway. 

The board meets against on Tuesday, March 28. Watch meetings online via the city’s Facebook page.