Carson’s faint facade will soon be replaced when Gabe’s opens later this year. The clothing and home goods retailer signed a contract to lease the old Carson’s in the MarketPlace of Warsaw. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Gabe’s, a discount retailer that’s expanding its geographical reach, is the newest business to sign a lease in MarketPlace of Warsaw in recent months.

A representative for the developer, Sullivan Wickley, confirmed a lease has been signed that will place the store where Carson’s once stood.

Those watching the local hiring scene have noticed job postings for Gabe’s in recent weeks, but nobody wanted to confirm plans until the lease was signed.

Construction is expected to begin as soon as this week, said John Murphy, the chief financial officer with Sullivan Wickley.

“I think the citizens of Warsaw will be very happy to have another retail option,” Murphy said.

Planet Fitness and Big Lots have already signed new leases for the shopping center.

Gabe’s is based in West Virginia and sells off-price clothing, home goods, pantry items and other goods.

Gabe’s also has stores in Kokomo, Anderson and Mishawaka.

All together, Gabe’s has more than 120 stores in 14 states. The company has opened 40 stores in the past five years, according to a report in the Springfield New Sun in Springfield, Ohio.

The topic came up Monday, July 11, at the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission meeting when Jeremy Skinner, the city’s economic and development director, said he had heard about the new lease agreement.

The city is investing $1.4 million to help with the revitalization of the shopping center, which had fallen into disrepair in recent years.

Sullivan Wickley acquired the shopping center last year and quickly committed to a significant upgrade to the land.

Murphy said work on the parking lot – pavement and new lights – is planned for later this summer.