wallen@communitycommon.com

Officials with Stage Stores have confirmed reports that Peebles Department store will be opening in the New Boston Mall. The store will be opening in the former Goody's location (4046 Rhodes Ave.).

"We are planning to open it (Peebles) in the third quarter," Kim Bell, Marketing Manager of Stage Stores said. "We are known for carrying name brand apparel, for the entire family, at moderate prices."

According to www.peebles.com the stores speciality, "is bringing nationally-known, brand name apparel, accessories, footwear and cosmetics to small towns and communities throughout the U.S."

There are 747 Stage Stores throughout 39 states. With 10 Peebles stores currently in Ohio. Stage Stores include, Peebles, Bellas, Palais Royal and Stage.

The nearest Peebles store currently is on East Main Street in Jackson.

"I hope this will help bring life back into the New Boston Mall. I hope people will also take interest in the other stores as a result," Jim Warren, Village of New Boston Mayor said. "This is good news, and it has to be good for the other stores. It will bring business in."

Warren also noted that the pizza company, Papa Johns will soon be relocating to the Village Mall in New Boston. The company is currently hiring delivery drivers for their new location according to a sign outside their current location (1401 11 Street.)

Officials with the company say they expect to open in the new location (next to Alltel) in the next three weeks. The company is also expected to hold a grand opening celebration around July 1.