Three new retailers—a 40,000 square-foot Sports Authority, a 15,663 square-foot Party City and an 18,765 square-foot Michael’s—will move into Ellisville Square this summer, where Kmart closed last April.

According to a press release statement from Brixmor Property Group, the owner of Ellisville Square, the stores are expected to open in the summer. Construction has already started.

Kmart closing hurt city revenues, but the new retailers are expected to generate more revenue than the Kmart had, Bill Schwer, the city manager of Ellisville, said.

“Although I hate to see closures, they create opportunities for bigger and better users that will serve the public well,” Schwer said.

Emily Saxon, sophomore, said she thinks the new developments will benefit the city because there was never a lot of commerce happening in Ellisville Plaza. She said she hopes the new retailers will bring more customers and more economic activity to that area.

Saxon said she will probably shop at the new Sports Authority for cross country gear, and her mother, an avid crafter, will definitely take advantage of the Michael’s.

“I think [the new stores] will definitely be more successful because Kmart compared to places like Target and Wal-Mart just kind of felt lower quality,” Saxon said. “I think people didn’t really have an interest shopping there as much.”

Jimmy John’s will also open in an out-lot space in Ellisville Square.

Also opening in Ellisville this summer is Eagle Bank at the intersection of Manchester Road and Field Avenue and a Lion’s Choice in Fountain Plaza, where Lifetime Fitness is located.

Luka’s Liquor, which previously occupied a space in Ellisville Square, will move into the old Best Buy building in 2015, Schwer said. A 17,000 square-foot space next to the old Best Buy is still open, along with two other out-lots, tenants still to be determined.

Monty’s Sandwich Co., which has a another location on North Broadway downtown, will move into the old Frailey’s Pub and Grill building on Manchester Road.

“[New businesses will] provide more shopping variety, create unique amenities we don’t currently have and help to allow the city to continue to provide excellent services because of the tax money that is generated,” Schwer said.