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City staff announce two new Smiths grocery locations and WinCo moving forward
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Summary
Cedar City economic development staff announced plans for two Smiths locations—one on South Main and one on the north end near the bowling alley—and said WinCo is proceeding; staff said traffic studies and required improvements will be part of large developments and that the existing Smiths building is expected to be marketed for new tenants.
Cedar City — City economic development staff told the council Nov. 12 that two Smiths grocery locations are planned for Cedar City and that WinCo’s project is still moving forward.
David Johnson, economic development, said the two Smiths stores will each be about 123,000 square feet and that the northern location is expected to open around 2027. "The Northern Smiths will occur first ... and that should open around '27," Johnson said. He added both sites will include pads for smaller retailers and that traffic studies and improvements will be required for large developments.
Public concern and property reuse: During public comment, resident Ann Clark asked what would happen to the existing Smiths building when the chain moves. Johnson said Smiths owns that property and the city is already working with the company to identify replacement tenants. "My hope is that we're able to see that building fill ... Smith owns the building, so it makes it easier for them to sell to a non-compete," Johnson told the council.
Why it matters: The announcement signals substantial retail expansion and potential job growth; council members noted the city has a record of refilling large grocery buildings with new uses (examples cited in discussion include an Albertsons location reused by IFA and a former Walmart site now housing a Cal Ranch).
Next steps: Staff will continue to coordinate with developers, require traffic and other impact studies for large projects, and work to market any vacated properties for new tenants. No formal city approvals were taken Nov. 12; the briefing was informational and intended to clarify timeline and planning requirements.
Clarifying details: staff described each Smiths at approximately 123,000 square feet; the north Smiths timeline projected opening around 2027; city staff confirmed required traffic studies and said they are coordinating to ensure infrastructure improvements accompany large developments.
