T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Valley Pool & Spa announced it is opening a new location inside the former Pier 1 Imports building at the Ohio Valley Plaza in St. Clairsville. The company plans to open its doors at the location April 23.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE –­ Valley Pool & Spa recently announced it will soon fill the former Pier 1 Imports building at the Ohio Valley Plaza in St. Clairsville, which has remained vacant since early 2020.

The opening date is slated for April 23.

The company is celebrating its 55th anniversary by expanding its presence in the region, according to a news release.

“While some retailers are downsizing, specialty retail continues to find a place, especially when it’s tied to great shopping experiences and the need to learn from in-person experts. That’s what is driving the continued success and growth at Valley Pool & Spa, a proud Pittsburgh-based operating division of Phoenix-based Leslie’s,” company officials stated.

“It’s also no secret that the pandemic has driven many homeowners to invest heavily in their backyards and staycation lifestyles, as they found pools and hot tubs an outlet for relaxation while social distancing, making the time right for Valley to reach new customers in a broader market. The demand for the products that Valley distributes has increased drastically during the last 22 months, making St. Clairsville, Ohio, the right first choice for expansion beyond their core footprint,” the release continued.

Valley Pool & Spa’s latest opening in the city of St. Clairsville will mark its 10th location. The store opened its first location in 1967 in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, and it remains open today. According to its website, the company offers an array of pool and spa supplies, chemicals, parts, equipment, floats, toys and games.

The new store will be the second of its shop’s new “leisure concept” store layout, which will include Finnleo Saunas and Broil King Grills, according to the release.

“Although above ground pools, hot tubs, swim spas, water treatment products, and pool supplies are the heart of our business, we’re really excited to continue focusing on the growth of health and wellness products like saunas, and backyard lifestyle products like grills and BBQ’s,” said Eric Cassidy, vice president of sales and operations for Valley Pool & Spa. “The new Ohio store will raise the bar by expanding the in-store experiences that customers have grown to love, and will give pool and hot tub owners in Belmont County and the entire (Northern) Panhandle section of West Virginia a chance to experience Valley for themselves.”

The company also plans on giving back to the local community through its partnerships with area organizations including youth sports teams, law enforcement, Make-A-Wish, and other foundations.

“I’m ecstatic to get to work on supporting local groups within the St. Clairsville and Wheeling communities,” said Kristin Poppa-Rosel, marketing director for Valley Pool & Spa. “We work hard to ensure Valley gives back as much as we can … which is our way to show thanks to our customers and communities.”

Pier 1 Imports closed its St. Clairsville location, along with its other 923 U.S. locations, in 2020 shortly after filing for bankruptcy. The decor shop now operates as an online business. The 8,300-square-foot building, located next to Steak ‘n Shake, has remained empty since then.

The new Valley Pool & Spa will be located at 50850 Valley Centre Blvd., St. Clairsville. The store is currently hiring a few positions for the new location, including sales associates, assistant manager and sales manager. Those interested can find the application link on Indeed.