A Family Dollar official at the company's corporate headquarters said on Wednesday that a new store is planned for Fulton.
"We do have another store planned for this area," stated Bryn Winburn, media and public relations manager, said in an email in reponse to questions. "This new store, located on U.S. 54 Branch, is slated to open next year."
The Family Dollar store unexpectedly closed in Fulton about a week ago and store employees said they couldn't comment about whether it will reopen as it was.
"They're deciding in the next few days," said an employee who asked not to be named.
The current store is at 4 E. Third St., Fulton. In the past, employees have said the store's retail space is too small and more room is needed.
Winburn said she couldn't respond as to the future of the current store. "After checking with our store operations department and our real estate team, I learned that we lease this space," she said in an email. "You will need to reach out to the landlord for more information regarding the store closure."
Bruce Hackmann, economic development director for the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, said signs of economic development are growing in the region.
"Economic development in any form is a plus for the community," he said. "An existing business that recognizes this market has been good for their company is very positive. Family Dollar would be doing this if the market wasn't delivering on their needs."
While not every potential business inquiry results with a new business opening, the number of those inquiries is healthy, Hackmann added.
"Not a week goes by when a business doesn't come in and discuss their need for space," he said. "Of course, a lot of things have to come together. But we have a great inventory of what things are available."