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WILKES-BARRE — T.J.Maxx, one of the nation’s leading off-price retailers with more than 1,200 stores operating in 49 states and Puerto Rico, will reopen at the Arena Hub Plaza on Sunday, Nov. 18, the company announced Tuesday.

It’s the latest retailer to get back on its feet after a devastating tornado this summer.

Earlier this week, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced it will reopen Monday, Nov. 19.

On June 13, the National Weather Service determined an EF-2 tornado with 130 mph winds caused major structural damage to several stores at the Arena Hub and other nearby businesses along Mundy Street.

Aside from T.J.Maxx and Dick’s, the stores in the Arena Hub Plaza forced to close due to tornado damage were: Barnes & Noble, Staples, Carter’s, OshKosh, PetSmart, the Eddie Bauer Outlet and Men’s Wearhouse.

PetSmart will remain closed as crews are still renovating the business. Barnes & Noble is still operating out of a temporary site in the nearby East End Centre.

“Our newest store in Wilkes-Barre will offer an ever-changing selection of high-quality, on-trend and brand-name merchandise at the amazing prices T.J.Maxx is known for,” said Tim Miner, president of T.J.Maxx. “Our buyers create a unique mix that offers value for styles in every department, and we’re excited to bring this experience to a new neighborhood. With a constant flow of new arrivals, we offer an exciting one-stop-shop that makes it easy for consumers to find what they want, take it home that day and save money at the same time.”

Local shoppers can celebrate the re-opening of the Wilkes-Barre location on Nov. 18 starting at 8 a.m. Reusable bags will be given to the first 500 customers.

$10K donation

In celebration of its Wilkes-Barre location reopening, T.J.Maxx will contribute to the surrounding community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Luzerne County Head Start at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. the day of the reopening.

The store will also join all other locations nationwide in sponsoring Save the Children’s U.S. programs. Besides Save the Children, T.J.Maxx supports Autism Speaks and Joslin Diabetes Center with annual in-store fundraising campaigns.

Osh Kosh, Carter’s, Staples, TJMaxx and Dick’s sustained heavy damage during the June 13 tornado in Wilkes-Barre Township. TJMaxx will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 18, officials said Tuesday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_TTL071418Tornado3.cmyk_-1.jpg.optimal.jpgOsh Kosh, Carter’s, Staples, TJMaxx and Dick’s sustained heavy damage during the June 13 tornado in Wilkes-Barre Township. TJMaxx will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 18, officials said Tuesday. Times Leader file photo

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.