A significant addition to the retail landscape in Page County took place on October 5, 2023, with the opening of a new Marshalls store in the Jamesway Plaza, located west of downtown Luray. The popular national retailer, known for its “off-price” offerings, now operates more than 1,200 stores across 48 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as confirmed by Cassidy Kelly, a spokeswoman for Marshalls.
Marshalls is recognized for its diverse range of merchandise, including fashion, footwear, accessories, gifts, and home decor, all curated by their buying team. The new store employs 60 staff members, both full-time and part-time, contributing to the local job market.
Community Engagement and Local Support
As part of the grand opening festivities, Marshalls donated $10,000 to a local charity, the Clothes Closet in Woodstock, and a food pantry, demonstrating their commitment to community support. Nancy Carpenter, the president of Marshalls, emphasized the company’s mission, stating, “We hustle every day to bring ‘the good stuff.’”
Local residents expressed enthusiasm for the new store. Emily Holder, shopping with her friend Cassie Lowery, noted their excitement during a lunch break. “They just opened yesterday, and this is our third trip in,” Holder shared. She highlighted the store’s user-friendly layout, saying, “It’s just easy shopping. The music is fun and relaxing; it’s not like it’s running you out.”
Lowery added that having a Marshalls nearby is beneficial for busy parents. “It’s a lot harder to get out and go shopping, so having one locally means I can easily find a Christmas gift,” she explained.
Positive Reception from Shoppers and Local Businesses
Other shoppers echoed similar sentiments. Brenda Chrisman, browsing in the Christmas aisle, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “So far, so good. It’s been really nice. We’re so happy to have it here in Luray.” She mentioned exploring the store without a specific item in mind, simply enjoying the experience.
Kevin Dean visited with his family, noting that his wife’s affinity for Marshalls was a driving factor for their visit. “Honestly, the wife has one of their credit cards. Yeah, she likes TJ Maxx. That’s why we’re here,” he remarked. His wife, Kaitlyn, who relocated from New York, expressed her relief at the new store’s presence, stating, “I was sad there wasn’t a Marshalls nearby.”
She appreciates the variety of skin care products available. “You can always get hair care and stuff for half the price that you would get at a salon,” she said, showcasing a child’s outfit she found appealing.
Local retailer Brian Sutphin, manager of Faith Christian Stores located nearby, welcomed the new Marshalls. “I was happy to know they were coming in. It just fills a void in the shopping experience in Luray,” he stated. Sutphin noted that the new store is likely to increase foot traffic for his own business, which he opened just seven weeks earlier.
As the community embraces the arrival of Marshalls, the combination of job creation, charitable contributions, and increased shopping options illustrates the positive impact of this new retail establishment on Luray’s economy.
