LAYTON -- Ream's Boots & Jeans is about to get a new neighbor.
Big Lots is planning to move from near the Layton Hills Mall to the space left vacant when Ream's grocery store had its going-out-of-business sale in August.
"It's a good fit," said Reams property manager Rod Allred. "They wanted to be by the freeway. It's a great location."
Allred said the 47,000-square-foot Ream's building, at 1040 N. Main St., is being remodeled to fit the new tenants.
The Western wear store remained open after the grocery store left, and Allred said the store remains open even though construction crews are working on other parts of the building.
Ream's had been working with Big Lots for a while, Allred said, and knowing that Big Lots was interested in moving to the building influenced the decision to close the grocery store.
"We had this in the works, so that was part of the deal," Allred said. "That location is really good for retail location, but not for grocery."
Big Lots, currently at 495 W. 1425 North, will join the list of businesses that have or soon will be relocated within Layton city limits. Bed, Bath & Beyond and Aaron's Furniture recently moved, while Deseret Book and PetSmart soon will have new homes.
Ben Hart, Layton's economic development specialist, said it is interesting to see businesses move around the city.
"It's good for tenants to be operating in space most effective for them," he said.
"We want these businesses to be as successful as they can be. If finding a new location is what it takes, then their success equals success for the city."
Messages left by the Standard-Examiner at Big Lots corporate headquarters were not returned, but Allred said Big Lots is planning to move into the redesigned building next year.
At least one more tenant will move into the Ream's building.
After finishing the portion of the building reserved for Big Lots, which is south of the Western wear store, crews will renovate the part of the building on the north side, Allred said.
"That will either fit one or two new tenants," he said. "There are some people looking at it, but nothing is sure yet."
Hart said the city wants to be involved in filling vacant buildings but does not favor any locations over another.
"Every vacant building, with very few exceptions, has underlying activities where businesses are looking at that property," he said.
"The city never tries to get in the way of filling vacant buildings."
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