Kirkland’s Is Now Closed – Here’s What Rochester Locals Want To See Next

Just a few weeks ago, "store closing" signs went up at the Kirkland store near the Ulta and Marshall's store in Rochester, Minnesota.  Sadly, the popular home decor store at 2232 Third Ave. SE in the Golden Hills Retail Center is now permanently closed.

Now that this spot has shuttered for good, what do you think should go in this space?

I asked that question on our local radio station in Rochester, Y-105FM, and threw it out to the internet to get a few suggestions.  Below are a few ideas that locals in Rochester would love to see show up in the Med City...in case any investors want to take a chance on this space.

READ MORE: 12+ Stores in Minnesota That Are Now Set To Close in 2026

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What Should Move Into The Old Kirkland's Store In Rochester, Minnesota?

The city of Rochester has had several businesses announce recently that they are going to have to shutter for good.  Inflation has been a main reason as the cost of goods have continued to increase.  Construction has been another common concern.

Tinn's was one of the latest to make that closing announcement...and while I will miss having their food nearby, I don't blame them one bit.  Their location on 2nd street was completely surrounded by construction fences and you could hardly see their front door.

READ MORE: Tinn's In Rochester Now Closed For Good Due To Ongoing Construction

The closure of Kirkland's in Rochester wasn't due to construction - this was a corporate decision that you can read about here.

I haven't heard of a new tenant yet for the space Kirkland's was using, so I did have a fun brainstorming session with fans to see what they'd like to see open.  There are LOTS of great ideas that were sent to me on Facebook, Instagram, on our app, and called in.  Here are a few that might have a great future in this now vacant spot.

Our team at Townsquare did just help announce the opening of the new Ollie's store in Austin...and I did do a little shopping there myself.  Lots of great deals that are different than what you see at Marshall's.

I completely forgot that we had a World Market.  Was it open where Trader Joe's is now?  Someone remind me - let me know if that is wrong or right over on my Facebook page.

Are we expanding the library in Rochester?  I know that this has been a request for awhile by the staff there.

I can actually see a patio in this spot.  Someone would need to fix the sidewalk out front first, but if this is zoned for a restaurant, I'd grab a bite to eat there and fuel up for my Marshall's and Ulta shopping.

Not sure if Josh knows this about me but...I was actually one of the managers for several Mervyn's stores in the Twin Cities area.  I don't see that chain coming back to Minnesota.  Plus, Kohl's is down the street and they are basically copies of one another.

A few more nods at restaurants in this space.

A few other ideas that were thrown out for this space were:

• Boxing Gym
• Indoor Mini-Golf Course
• Indoor Paintball Course
• Dave & Buster's
• Salvation Army Thrift Store
• Paint and sip studio
• Drybar
• Coffee shop by day/live music and bar by night

Do you have another idea for this now vacant space in Rochester?

Click on the Facebook post below and add your comment.  I'd love to hear what others are wanting to see open in our community.  If you tag a company, maybe they will check our Rochester.  #FingersCrossed