A quintet of new businesses is set to join the ranks at Dubuque’s Kennedy Mall, including a new department store. Mall owner Cafaro Co. on Monday announced the new stores, all of which are expected to open by the end of the year.
The ventures represent a combined 75,000 square feet of newly leased space across the mall. “I can’t recall the last time we had this many businesses ready to open their doors within just a couple months of each other,” said Joe Bell, Cafaro Co. director of corporate communications.
“That’s a very good sign for Kennedy Mall.” The largest addition will be World Earth Superstore, a 66,000-square foot, two-level department store expected to open in the former Younkers space near Planet Fitness and The Fun Station. It will be owned by Irvin Johnson, of Durango, Iowa, who already operates World Earth Minerals and This & That at the mall.
The new store will include a selection of men and women’s apparel, furniture, decor, cosmetics and more. It also will have a coffee bar and candy shop, as well as a large selection of kids toys and entertainment. “It’s basically a family store,” Johnson said.
“We have a little bit of everything for anybody, and it’s at (discounted) prices that they can afford.” World Earth Superstore is expected to open in December, though Johnson said some of the larger amenities will be added over time. World Earth Minerals and This & That will continue to operate in their current storefronts in addition to t.