Conn's and Gabe's are moving into large retail spaces.

Two national retailers are opening in University City centers. Gabe’s, a fashion and housewares discounter, is remodeling the space next to Value City Furniture at the Commons at Chancellor Park. Conn’s, an electronics, appliance and furniture chain, opened recently at University Plaza, the new retail center taking shape in the former University Place Walmart building.

About Gabe’s

Gabe’s features a frequently changing selection of heavily discounted name-brand men’s, women’s and children’s clothing including extensive junior plus, plus sizes, big and tall clothing and extended footwear sizes. Gabe’s stores also carry housewares, linens and home décor items.

Formerly known as Gabriel Brothers, Gabe’s is based in Morganton, W.Va., and operates 47 Gabe’s stores including new stores in Gastonia and Greensboro. The privately held fashion retailer also operates more than 60 Rugged Wearhouse stores, including four in the Charlotte area.

Gabe’s will occupy the former Hobby Lobby space at the Commons at Chancellor Park. The new Gabe’s stores in Greensboro and Gastonia employ about 170 people each. A spokesperson at Brixmor, which operates the Commons at Chancellor Park, said Gabe’s expects to open in mid-summer.

About Conn’s

Conn’s describes itself as a specialty retailer selling furniture, mattresses, home appliances and a variety of consumer electronics ranging from HD TVs to computers. The chain also offers flexible, in-house credit options and other financing options.

Conn’s operates about 90 retail locations across the South and Southwest. It opened a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in Charlotte in 2013 as part of its plans to expand into the Carolinas. The new Conn’s store at University Place is the Texas retailer’s third store in North Carolina and second in Charlotte. Conn’s occupies about 46,000 square feet of space at University Plaza.

Learn more

Conn’s at University Plaza, 8709 JW Clay Blvd. Hours: 10 am-9:30 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am-9:30 pm Sat, 10 am-8 pm Sun. Phone: 704-510-1903. Web: http://www.conns.com

Gabe’s at Commons at Chancellor Park, 8101 University City Blvd. National phone number: 800-458-6546. Web: http://www.mygabes.com