Merced business landscape transforms rapidly

The articles collectively illustrate Merced's transformative economic landscape, marked by new business ventures and closures. Multiple businesses, like the emerging fast-food chains and retail openings, indicate dynamic changes. The California High-Speed Rail project forecasts new jobs in Merced. Although concerns like noise pollution exist, the project promises positions in technical and operations roles.

Big Lots plans to close several stores in Merced County, reflecting the churn of the retail market. Store closures reflect a pattern, with other retailers like Rite Aid also shutting locations due to financial challenges. These closures create a void but also opportunities for new ventures to take their place. New enterprises emerge in Merced. Raising Cane’s, known for its chicken fingers, will open at the site of a closed Big Lots. This represents a shift as new eateries fill spaces left vacant. Additionally, Crunch Fitness plans to join the Marketplace, sharing space with Raising Cane’s. The local food scene diversifies further. Merced's Mocha Boba will offer Korean corn dogs, expanding cultural food options. Meanwhile, new food truck parks emphasize community integration and provide flexible opportunities for vendors while revitalizing downtown areas. All these developments highlight Merced's economic evolution and adaptability.

A large closing sign informs customers that the Big Lots location in Merced will be closing. Big Lots is closing 54 stores in California, including stores in Merced, Los Banos and Atwater. By Shawn Jansen

NO. 1: BIG LOTS TO CLOSE MANY CALIFORNIA STORES, INCLUDING THREE MERCED COUNTY LOCATIONS

A large closing sign hangs outside the Big Lots store in Merced, informing customers the store will be shuttering its doors. | Published July 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Shawn Jansen

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NO. 2: MERCED RESIDENTS DISCUSS JOB OPPORTUNITIES, TIMELINE DURING CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL FORUM

The state’s transportation project is bringing changes to the Central Valley. How will those changes stimulate Merced’s economic development? | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alma Villegas

New employees participate in training in preparation for Monday’s grand opening at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.

NO. 3: NEW RESTAURANT TO OPEN AT MARKETPLACE AT MERCED. THE CHAIN SPECIALIZES IN CHICKEN FINGERS

The fast food eatery will replace the shuttered Big Lots at 665 Fairfield Dr., mall owners announced. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alma Villegas

The new Mocha Boba location inside the Merced Mall on Friday, March 28, 2025. The establishment, which will offer a variety of boba teas, Korean corn dogs, mochi donuts and more, is expected to open in May. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 4: NEW BOBA TEA LOCATION IN MERCED TO OFFER VARIETY OF DRINKS AND KOREAN CORN DOGS

The location, which will offer over 80 drinks, is expected to open in May. | Published March 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

Taste of Little India located at 1052 W. Main Street in Merced, Calif., on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Restaurant owner Parm Samra said he was informed that the building has changed ownership and his lease has been terminated. The restaurant will close on April 11. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 5: MERCED’S TASTE OF LITTLE INDIA RESTAURANT TO CLOSE AFTER 23 YEARS OF BUSINESS

Owner Parm Samra has been in business for nearly 30 years, working to make Indian food mainstream in the Merced area. | Published April 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

NO. 6: WHICH MERCED COUNTY FOOD BUSINESS FAILED HEALTH INSPECTIONS THIS WEEK?

One restaurant received 24 violation points. | Published May 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shawn Jansen

A view of the Merced Theatre in downtown Merced, Calif. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 7: NEW STORES, RESTAURANTS ARE OPENING IN MERCED. SEE 7 BUSINESSES COMING TO TOWN

From Chick-fil-A to Five Below, here are a few of the popular brands opening Merced locations. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

The Merced County Administration Building located at 2222 M Street in Merced, Calif., on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 8: THESE AREAS SAW JOB GROWTH IN MERCED COUNTY DESPITE HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and the public sector saw job growth. | Published June 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

Merced Valley Food located at 1640 Yosemite Parkway inside the Merced Plaza in Merced, Calif., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 9: MERCED GROCERY STORE OPENS FOCUSING ON COMMUNITY NEEDS, FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE

The store opened to the public on May 1. | Published June 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

Rite Aid says it plans to keep its 1,350 stores in 15 states open despite filing for bankruptcy again. By John Angelillo

NO. 10: RITE AID IS CLOSING MERCED-AREA STORE. WHEN, WHERE & WHAT HAPPENS TO PRESCRIPTIONS

The struggling pharmacy chain plans to shut down more than 470 stores across the United States. | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Fernanda Galan

Construction continues on the future home of Valley Eats, a food truck park located at 1997 W. Olive Avenue behind Starbucks and 7-Eleven near the intersection of West Olive Avenue and Highway 59 in Merced, Calif., on Friday, June 6, 2025. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 11: MERCED’S NEW FOOD TRUCK PARK TO OFFER AFFORDABLE EATS, COMMUNITY VIBES

The area will feature up to seven food trucks offering various cuisine. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

The empty corner of West 16th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way on Monday, June 30, 2025. The location where a KFC restaurant once stood, will be transformed into the Downtown Grubs food truck plaza. By Andrew Kuhn

NO. 12: NEW DOWNTOWN MERCED FOOD TRUCK PLAZA AIMS TO REVIVE VACANT CORNER

Developers said the site will be able to accommodate 10 food trucks. | Published July 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Andrew Kuhn

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.