New stores, restaurants are opening in Merced. Check out 15 incoming businesses
With Burlington and Boot Barn recently opening their doors, Merced’s business scene is continuing to grow — and more openings are on the way.
From new restaurants to big-name retailers, several storefronts are gearing up to welcome customers soon.
Here’s a look at what’s set to open in Merced as of Friday, Oct. 17:
Is Angry Chickz bringing fried chicken to Merced?
Angry Chickz is bringing its fiery Nashville-style hot chicken to Merced, according to city officials.
The popular East Hollywood-based chain is known for its spicy fried chicken sandwiches, crispy tenders and creamy macaroni and cheese.
The new restaurant is slated to open at 62 West 16th St. in Merced.
As of Friday, Oct. 17, city officials said there is no projected opening date for the Merced location.
Where is Five Below opening in Merced?
Five Below, a national discount retailer known for its trendy, affordable finds, is opening a new store in Merced.
The store will be part of the new Shoppes at Merced development, located next to the Marketplace at Merced on Olive Avenue.
Five Below caters primarily to pre-teens and teens, offering a wide range of fun and fashionable products priced between $1 and $5, according to the company’s website.
“Five Below has not confirmed an opening date,” city officials wrote in a statement to the Merced Sun-Star.
When will Petco open in Merced?
Petco is opening its third Merced County store on Monday, Oct. 20.
The new location will open at 1011 West Olive Ave. in Merced.
Petco offers a wide range of pet food, toys and supplies, along with expert advice from pet care professionals.
The store will also host monthly in-store events, including pet adoptions and food tastings.
Is Ulta Beauty coming to Merced?
Ulta Beauty, which offers cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrances, wellness products and salon services, is coming to Merced.
The new store will be located next to Five Below in the Shoppes at Merced, adjacent to the Marketplace at Merced on Olive Avenue.
According to city officials, Ulta Beauty is targeting an early 2026 opening.
Where will Vallarta Supermarkets open new grocery store?
A Mexican-American supermarket chain is coming to Merced.
Vallarta Markets is preparing renovations for its new grocery store, which requires a building permit, city officials said.
The store will open in the vacant space next to Kohl’s at the Marketplace at Merced on West Olive Avenue.
An opening date had not been announced as of Friday.
What is launch date for Rack Room Shoes?
A Rack Room Shoes is slated to open in Merced.
The American footwear retailer, known for trendy athletic, comfort and dress shoes, carries popular brands as well as its own private labels.
The new store will open at the Shoppes at Merced on R Street, with an early 2026 launch planned, according to city officials.
When can I shop at Bath & Body Works?
Bath & Body Works is opening a new store next to Burlington at the Shoppes in Merced on R Street.
The American retailer specializes in personal care and home fragrance products, including soaps, lotions and candles.
The store is expected to open in November, according to city officials.
Where is Starbucks’ next Merced-area location?
Another Starbucks is brewing in Merced.
The popular coffee chain is known for its handcrafted coffee drinks, signature pastries and branded merchandise including mugs and tumblers.
The new Starbucks is slated to open in North Merced next to the ampm convenience store at the crossroads of West Yosemite Avenue and El Redondo Drive.
“We don’t have an opening date just yet,” city officials wrote in a statement.
What’s the latest on Crunch Fitness gym?
Crunch Fitness is joining the Marketplace at Merced.
The popular gym will share the former Big Lots location at 665 Fairfield Drive.
The gym will offer members personal training, group fitness classes and a wide range of workout equipment.
“Crunch Fitness is moving forward with its tenant improvements, and we expect to hear more about its opening in the coming weeks,” city officials said.
Fast food chain Pollo Campero headed to Merced
Pollo Campero is coming to Merced.
The Guatemalan fast-food chain is famous for its fried and grilled chicken options. They’re paired with side dishes ranging from rice and beans to yuca fries.
“Pollo Campero will locate on a pad fronting R Street, subject to site plan modifications and building permit approval,” city officials wrote in a statement.
Carter’s to open local children’s clothing store
A Carter’s is coming to Merced.
The popular retailer is known as the leading brand for baby and kids’ clothing, according to the company website.
The store will open at 1101 West Olive Ave., Suite A3, in Merced.
An official opening date had yet to be announced as of Friday.
Mattress Firm to open Merced bedding store
Mattress Firm is opening a location inside Marketplace at Merced on West Olive Avenue.
Mattress Firm is a retail chain specializing in a wide range of mattresses, bedding and sleep accessories.
Mattress Firm is scheduled to open in early 2026, according to Ethan Conrad Properties, which purchased the Marketplace at Merced in June 2024.
Raising Cane’s signs lease at Merced shopping center
Raising Cane’s, the popular fast-food chain famous for its chicken fingers, is coming to the Marketplace at Merced.
The Louisiana-based restaurant will occupy part of the former Big Lots space at 665 Fairfield Drive.
While an official opening date hasn’t been announced, the chain has signed a 15-year lease for the location.
Aspen Dental plans Merced location
Aspen Dental will open a location in Merced.
Aspen Dental is a nationwide network of dental practices offering preventive, restorative and surgical care, according to the company website.
According to a Facebook post by the city of Merced, the new medical office will be located on R Street.
An official opening date had not been announced as of Friday.
Tilly’s to open R Street clothing store
Tilly’s is opening a new store at the Shoppes in Merced on R Street, according to a city Facebook post.
Tilly’s is a specialty retailer selling casual apparel, footwear and accessories, with a focus on active and social lifestyles.
As of Friday, an official opening date had not yet been announced.
