The Family Dollar Corporation had planned to construct a retail store in Italy and discussed plans with city officials for about a year but plans have changed according to T.W. Howell, corporate representative. 

They initially planned to construct a store behind Mansell’s Convenience Store. Later, they opted to purchase the land across the street at the intersection of SH 77 and 34. Ron Gillespie is owner of the property.

Gillespie said he got a call last week from Howell saying they were backing out of the deal.

Howell said the city was easy to work with saying the planning and zoning commission had agreed to all the variances they requested.

Howell said the Family Dollar corporate office made the decision to pull out due to the sales numbers and economic climate. Therefore, he said Italy is not a focus of theirs at this time.