Two empty stores in Davenport will open again in the fall with a different retailer.
Theisen's Home, Farm and Auto announced Monday it bought the former Kmart and Hancock Fabrics buildings to open a new store. The family-owned business, based in Dubuque, has 20 locations in Iowa and two in Wisconsin. Its closest store is located in DeWitt, Iowa.
Co-owner Chris Theisen says the family has been trying to find a suitable location in Davenport.
The new store will occupy about 110,000 square feet near the intersection of Brady Street and Kimberly Road. Theisen says two businesses on the property will stay on as renters and a third, Aaron's, will relocate. Renovations on the new store have already begun.
"It's not a cookie cutter approach to each one of our markets that we go in," Theisen said. "We will try to change our mix and learn from the customers as we go what they're looking for and we will cater to that market."
Theisen expects the new store will employ more than 100 people and should open in October.
