Stein Mart opens at Clovis Crossing Shopping Center

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Stein Mart officially opened its doors in the Clovis Crossing Shopping Center. Dozens of people lined up to be among the first to shop and drop.

Kingsburg resident Carol Jacobs said, "I love Stein Mart and I was just so excited about the new store opening, I had to get up early and be here for the opening."

The department store sells men's and women's apparel and home accessories. Stein Mart has one other location in Northwest Fresno, but wanted to be a part of the new development.

"We had a huge interest for the Clovis store to be out here from our customers," said Stein Mart General Manager Tomi Mello. "And our company got together and decided it was a huge opportunity for us and here we are."

The new stores are attracting people to Clovis to shop.

Jacobs added, "I live in Kingsburg and I usually go to River Park, but this is wonderful and I'll be out here a lot more now. (laughs)."

Stein Mart is the last anchor store to make its home in the Clovis Crossing Shopping Center. The development opened in early 2013, with stores taking up shop and has one visible vacancy. Clovis Mayor Lynne Ashbeck says the center has become a destination and that's positive fiscal news.

"We are happy they can shop in Clovis," said Mayor Ashbeck. "As you know, sales tax is one of the only revenue sources for cities and we expect this center to make a significant contribution to our sales tax."

The center is expected to bring in more than a half a million dollars in tax revenues for the city and help pay for city services.

Now with this store in place the shopping center is nearly complete, leaders say it's been a positive sign for both sides and they hope businesses will continue to flourish.