T.J. Maxx, Five Below plan to open stores in Grafton

Plans are moving forward for two new tenants to set up shop in the former Best Buy space in the Grafton Commons.

The Village of Grafton Architectural Review Board on Thursday, Oct. 10, approved a proposal from Berengaria Development for T.J. Maxx and Five Below to occupy the space.

T.J. Maxx, a discount apparel and home fashions retailer, plans to occupy 23,500 square feet on the east side of the building. That includes a proposed 2,385-square-foot addition on the northeast corner of the building at 1070 N. Port Washington Rd.

In addition, Five Below, a company that sells products marketed for children and teenagers for $5 or less, would be located in 8,665 square feet on the west side of the building, next to Michael’s. 

Community Development Director Jessica Wolff said conditions related to the approved plans include adjusting the color of the T.J. Maxx sign. The developer also must submit plans to the village for the location of cart returns and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment and screening.

The Village Plan Commission will consider the Architectural Review Board’s recommendation at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22.  

According to village documents, the developer plans to begin construction in winter.

The Best Buy store closed in November 2018 after 10 years in business. Best Buy was one of the first big box retail stores in the Grafton Commons development and was a popular shopping destination along the I-43 corridor, officials said.

Representatives of the electronics retailer said Best Buy did not renew its lease at the Grafton Commons because the company had too many stores. Sixty-eight employees were impacted by the closure.

The developer and officials with T.J. Maxx and Five Below did not return calls for comment.