Gloucester’s newest department store—Burkes Outlet—will have a soft opening on May 2 at the York River Crossing Shopping Center, Hayes, and hold its grand opening on May 5, according to store manger Rachel Roberts.

An article in the March 10 Gazette-Journal had originally quoted an earlier opening date, as announced by Dan Doyle, senior vice president of parent company Bealls, Inc.

Burkes Outlet, which offers brand-name apparel and accessories at discounted prices, will be part of a “combo store” with its sister store Home Centric, taking over the space formerly occupied by Peebles (and most recently Gordmans).

Peebles had operated at that location since 1990. In the spring of 2020—just as COVID-19 began to shut down stores, restaurants and everything else across the U.S.—Peebles completed the rebranding of its Hayes store to off-price department store Gordmans, a move that had been announced the previous August. Gordmans eventually shut its doors amid Covid restrictions.

“We feel the demographics there … matches our sweet spot,” Doyle said of Burkes Outlet, which he said offers brand-name apparel and accessories for the entire family at up to 70 percent off other stores’ prices every day. “We think it’ll be a great place to go,” he said. “We think Gloucester will be a great spot for us.

“If you’ve never shopped at Burkes Outlet you ought to come try it,” he added. “I think people will be excited to find the value in our store.”

Home Centric stores offer distinct home décor and home gifts from around the world at prices up to 70 percent off, Doyle said.

Bealls, Inc., is a 106-year-old Florida-based company. Today, Bealls surpasses a billion dollars in sales annually with over 500 stores.