Rural King to open Norwalk store in 2013

Redevelopment is under way at a former retail store on the edge of Norwalk city limits.

The former Big Lots building, which sat unoccupied for more than a year, was one of the larger buildings the city and its development partner, the Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), were looking to find a tenant or new owner for over the last 15 months. Several other local buildings have also gone off the market in the past year.

"Rural King is pleased to announce the opening of its 13th store in Ohio. Its new location in Norwalk will be over 50,000 square feet and will house over 40,000 different items," stated Greg Samuelson, vice president of operations, Rural King, Matoon, Ill.

Samuelson added, "We're excited to be a part of the community and the entire area. The store will employ around 50 associates and has already begun taking applications."

Samuelson added, "We're excited to be a part of the community and the entire area. The store will employ around 50 associates and has already begun taking applications."

Rural King of Mattoon currently operates 58 stores in seven states. They also have their own distribution center and trucking fleet.

The company researched the area and decided to locate its next store in the former Big Lots building on U.S. 20, just before entering Monroeville.

"We are so pleased to welcome Rural King to the area. Having Rural King open a location in Norwalk has been a great opportunity for our community. They appear to be a very good fit for the location and this region," said Rob Duncan, mayor of Norwalk.

Although there were several parties interested in the property since Big Lots moved out, most of the prospects would not have generated the amount of sales tax or income tax that Rural King likely will produce, according to Ellen Heinz, director, Norwalk Economic Development Corporation.

Heinz stated that many people assisted with the project.

"We'd like to thank Rural King for their investment and interest in our area. The city, NEDC, the county, HCDC (Huron County Development Council) and also local community members worked together behind the scenes to support Rural King's move to Norwalk with a solid team effort."