Two more retailers commit to Cortez Commons

BROOKSVILLE – Two more retailers have joined a growing number of merchants staking out spots in the new Cortez Commons shopping complex.

Mattress Firm and Vitamin Shoppe are the latest stores to submit building plans to Hernando County and are proposing sites at two of the smaller out-parcels at the plaza, which is at the southwest corner of State Road 50 and Mariner Boulevard.

Already committed to the shopping center are Bonefish Grill and Hobby Lobby.

Houston-based Mattress Firm has more than 1,300 company-operated and franchised stores in 33 states. It gained about 44 stores nationwide after acquiring two mattress and bedding chains in other states.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 increased 20.8 percent to $312 million.

“The increase in net sales for the fourth fiscal quarter and for the full fiscal year 2013 continues to reflect our deliberate growth initiatives,” Steve Stagner, Mattress Firm’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

Vitamin Shoppe continues an expansion surge with its Cortez Commons site. The chain, with 659 locations in 42 states, is a specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products ranging from vitamins and minerals to nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies and health and beauty aids.

Total net sales in the last quarter increased 17.2 percent to $256.4 million, helped along by an uptick in online sales.

“We participate in an attractive growth industry,” said company CEO Tony Truesdale. “We remain focused on our long-term top and bottom line results and continue to make investments to support our growth.”

The 20-acre Cortez Commons is divided into two properties, with access off State Road 50 and Mariner Boulevard. The tract wraps around the CVS drug store.

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In other business news, a new Sally Beauty Supply is headed to 19542 Cortez Blvd. in the Brooksville Square Plaza.