NEW ORLEANS — Back in 2019, Lowe's closed their New Orleans East store, so for four years this entire lot has sat vacant, but finally, a new business is taking over. The Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana announced that they purchased the former Lowe's Home Improvement store at 5770 Read Boulevard in New Orleans East, according to a press release.
The press release said that the purchased property will be established as "Goodwill East," what they call a "dynamic multi-functional space" that includes an outlet store, retail store, opportunity center, warehouse operations, workforce development services, and "much more."
Councilman Oliver Thomas says he's excited to finally have a business fill this site.
"It's the way to go, it's not only the new frontier, it's the only frontier where the city can grow," he said. "Let me honestly say we were hoping it would be a major retailer. But the good thing is now we have a foundation at that old Plaza site where we can parcel off and build out the rest of that site."
Councilman Thomas hopes big retailers begin seeing the potential in his district, and revitalize the area. Although Goodwill hasn't told us when the new plans will be set in motion.
"Every community has challenges, but this community man is worth it and we're proving every day it's worth it because people are picking it as their destination for their business but we need the same sort of pride emanating from the people who live in the East, we got to bang our chest and beat our drums, and the new term is 'Go East young man,'" he said.
Goodwill Industries will hold a press conference on Wednesday, July 19 at 1:30 p.m. at 3400 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans to talk about their plans for the property.
"During the press conference, Goodwill Industries SELA will provide an overview of the vision behind "Goodwill East" and discuss the various programs and services it will offer to the community," the press release said.
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