T. J. Maxx opens in Midtown Columbus - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

T. J. Maxx opens in Midtown Columbus

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By Dante Renzulli - bio | email

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COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

Add another name to the growing list of businesses that have come to roost in Midtown Columbus.

Thursday was the grand opening of T.J. Maxx at the Cross Country Plaza on Macon Road and from the length of the lines inside the store, it looks like it a successful first day.

"I think it's exciting because it's right in the heart of midtown, I shopped a lot at the other store but it was a little bit out of the normal flow of traffic," said Vershetta Greer. "I think this is great, especially with all the changes coming to midtown. The addition of the new Publix, I think it's an awesome thing."

This area has seen a major influx of new businesses in recent months, and many more are scheduled to move in soon. Goodwill is opening a store right next to T.J. Maxx, and across the street, real estate developer, Richard Wadell tells us he has deals in the works to fill all the spaces next to Kmart.

After Columbus Crossing took a lot of business away from this area, he is starting to see it come back. City planners credit initiatives like the new library, natatorium, and school district offices for helping to bring change to the neighborhood.

"It went through a period of decline for a while, because of just changing in demographics and changing of the economy as a whole," said Columbus City Planner Rick Jones of the shopping area. "But now it's finding itself again, through its efforts."

While most people are happy about T.J. Maxx opening, one thing they're not happy about is the traffic.

"I knew some people that wanted to come here, but just because the parking lot is so hard, so tough, that's why they're not going to come here," said Han Ta, a Columbus shopper.

Despite parking lot renovations, most people told us that even on a regular day, it's difficult to get to get around. Finding a good spot is a tough prospect. But as far as the midtown economy is concerned, it's better to have too much traffic than not enough.

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