Marshalls closing in Gary’s Village Shopping Center

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Updated: January 18, 2012 8:06AM

GARY — Marshalls is closing its recently opened department store in the Village Shopping Center on Jan. 14.

The store, at 3652 Grant St., opened April 7.

Company officials didn’t return calls for comment, but an unidentified employee at the store said business wasn’t good and it didn’t make its sales goals.

The news took Joel Rodriguez, the city’s director of economic development, by surprise Friday.

“That’s a shocker,” he said. Rodriguez said Marshalls took nearly six months to plan its move to Gary. The retailer also has stores in Highland and Valparaiso.

State Rep. Vernon Smith, who also operates a business in the Village Center, said the previous business there — A.J. Wright — was successful. “They should have brought T.J. Maxx in,” said Smith who said Marshalls’ merchandise was too pricey for Gary shoppers.

Reach reporter Carole Carlson at 648-3154.