This retail plaza was built in 1975 and was anchored by K-mart and other stores including a free-standing restaurant. The location of the plaza was perfect in the heart of Manchester’s shopping district, near major roads and highly visible. Accross the street from the plaza was a freestanding building for Toysrus and Kidsrus . In November 1999, Filene’s Basement closed its doors. The store was then replaced by Staples. 

In 2002, as part of its Chapter 11 reorganization strategy, Kmart shuttered 284 locations nationwide—including its well-positioned store in Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire. With that closure, the company effectively withdrew from one of the region’s most vibrant retail markets.  Another Kmart lived on until 2020 further north in Hooksett.

That Kmart store had a prime location and faced minimal competition, flanked only by two standard-sized Walmart stores. By then, other retail rivals such as Caldor, Bradlees, and Ames had either folded or were on the brink of bankruptcy. Rather than revitalizing, expanding, or relocating the store, Kmart abandoned its foothold—much like its broader retreat from northern New England. 

Burlington Coat Factory opened in that space in the fall of 2003. The store closed possibly late 2010 or early 2011. It has been replaced by Hobby Lobby. Texas Roadhouse opened a restaurant in that plaza to the left of Hobby Lobby. Burlington Coat Factory eventually came back to Manchester this time in a former Stop & Shop supermarket.