Chillum Shopping Center Looks For New Grocer

Representatives of the Shops at Queens Chillum, the shopping center which houses the to soon-to-close Giant grocery store on Queens Chapel Road in Hyattsville, said that they are committed to getting a new grocery store to fill the space in the future. 

"We actually have contacted directly a lot of the national stores like Safeway, and the regional and local stores," said Joan Weber, spokesperson for the Shops at Queens Chillum, in an interview. "But the larger stores are looking for a larger space, these days."

According to Weber, grocery stores are nowadays interested in larger spaces, in the neighborhood of 60,000 to 80,000 square feet spaces. 

"Our store is only 40,000 square feet," said Weber. 

"We are very positive and optimistic that it will happen quickly," said Weber, when asked how soon the space might be filled. "We believe in the center as a grocery anchor serving the surrounding neighborhoods of Mount Rainier, West Hyattsville and Chillum. Those areas need a neighborhood shopping destination."

According to numbers provided by shopping center management, there have been $1.37 million in renovations to the center since 2007. 

"We believe in the center, and we believe it's an excellent resource for the communities," said Weber. "We've worked hard to renovate the center…we believe in the quality of merchants in our center."

"We'll find a good grocer," added Weber.

Other changes coming to the shopping center include a new Mid Atlantic Seafood restaurant. The regional restaurant chain, which has locations in nearby areas like Oxon Hill, Laurel and Takoma Park, will be opening a 6,000 square foot restaurant in the site of the former Dollar General. 

Payless Shoe Source has extended their lease and has now reopened after closing for an interior renovation. 

The Barber Shop will be opening under new management, soon as well, according to shopping center management.