The Stafford Best Buy originally opened in 2008, marking a milestone for the county. Residents had long desired additional retail options closer to home, reducing the necessity of traveling to neighboring areas. However, changing consumer habits driven by the prevalence of online shopping have contributed to the store’s closure.
The closure is seen as a setback for the county, where residents consistently desire more shopping and entertainment destinations. The news comes amidst ongoing anticipation for developments like The Garrison, a 57-acre property acquired by Reston-based developer Pence Group in 2015. The original plans for The Garrison included 500,000 square feet of commercial space, over 400 residential units, a 12-screen Regal Cinemas, new restaurants, and apartment homes.
However, ground has yet to be broken, and the original deadline of spring 2018 has passed. The county has been without a movie theater since crews demolished Regal Cinemas 10 at Aquia Town Center in 2016.
Simultaneously, commercial development is progressing at Embrey Mill on Courthouse Road, featuring a Publix grocery store, several fast-food restaurants, and locally-owned establishments such as Table 9 Kitchen, Crimson Coward, Manhattan Pizza, and Up North Cutz.
In a further sign of changing times, a new Wawa is under construction at Embrey Mill Town Center, and Texas retail giant Buc-ee’s has expressed interest in building a 74,000-square-foot convenience store with 120 gas pumps.
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