Please join us in supporting a new grocery store on the former Lines Orchids site in Walden, TN. Not only will a new store provide an alternative to your current grocery shopping experience, including lower prices, but it will also help offset future tax increases. A 2019 study by VIA Solutions found that there is a potential retail leakage of between $22-$32 million on Signal Mountain.

If recouped, the grocery store would generate an average revenue of $273,000 in Walden sales and property taxes and $355,000 in Hamilton County sales and property taxes. This revenue could be used for infrastructure, other community-wide needs and to support our schools, additionally deterring future tax increases for the town. The store will be an important anchor in attracting other desirable businesses such as a variety of boutique restaurants, which would increase dining options on the mountain.

In 2022, a new developer is leading this exciting project. While the company wants to keep the name of the store anonymous for now, it will not be a Food City, Walmart, Ingles, Save A Lot, Fresh Market, Aldi or Trader Joe’s. The new grocery store will be similar in size to other area stores and beautifully designed to adhere to the aesthetics of our mountain community. It is also anticipated to create 120 full or part-time jobs in addition to 100 construction jobs.

The new jobs will include opportunities for teenagers and young adults to work in a great environment at a trusted brand. The grocer is known for excellent community support, including programs in local schools.

The proposed development will include all necessary infrastructure improvements to mitigate any potential traffic impact. The development will also have its own self-contained wastewater treatment facility.