Bealls Florida is permanently closing one of its stores in Ocala.
The Bealls Florida department store located at 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd, within the Six Gun Plaza in east Ocala, has announced it is permanently closing.
As of last week, a large “Store Closing” banner was being displayed on the storefront.
An official closing date for the store has not yet been announced.
Outside of east Ocala, there is one other Bealls Florida and one bealls location in the city. Both are situated in the southwest, along or near State Road 200.
Founded in 1915 in Bradenton, Florida, Bealls evolved from a local dollar store into a major retailer, launching its department store brand in 1946 and Bealls Outlet in 1987. Under fourth-generation leadership, the company has recently expanded its national footprint, acquiring Stage Stores in 2020 to secure naming rights across all 50 states and launching new concepts like Rugged Earth Outfitters.
The announcement from the company to close its location in Six Gun Plaza comes just over six months after Geril Therapy closed its location in the shopping center after two decades in business.
Since 2022, however, Six Gun Plaza has welcomed several new retailers, including Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant, Stoner’s Pizza Joint, More Than Gaming, and Sandy’s Shack Imported Wine and Beer.
Just weeks ago, Dutch Bros. Coffee opened its first location in Marion County adjacent to the plaza.
Across the city, several other national retailers have closed up shop in Ocala in recent years.
Last month, the Bob Evans restaurant at 3535 SW College Road permanently closed, leaving the chain with just two remaining locations in the city.
Bed Bath & Beyond shuttered its store in Gaitway Plaza in 2023. A year after, the furniture store that replaced it also closed its doors. Last year, Gaitway Plaza was sold months after welcoming a new Golf Galaxy anchor store.
In late 2023, Boston Market permanently closed its last location in Ocala and Marion County amidst a string of nationwide closures.
In 2020, the city lost its last Pier 1 Imports and Krystal locations. Those properties have since been replaced with new commercial developments.