Headline: Ross Could Be Heading to Sicklerville — What That Means for Gloucester Township, I‑295 Travelers, and Local Businesses
By Ari Williams — 295Times.com
Category: News | Gloucester Township
If you regularly take I‑295 through Gloucester Township, you probably know the Cross Keys Road shopping strip in Sicklerville — the cluster of storefronts that long held a Big Lots. Recent leasing activity and industry paperwork suggest that Ross Dress for Less may be planning to move into that former Big Lots space, and that would be a notable change for shoppers and neighbors along the I‑295 corridor.
Where this would be, exactly
The site in question is the Cross Keys Road retail center in Sicklerville (Gloucester Township, Camden County) — an easy pull-off for people coming from nearby I‑295 interchanges. A quick look on Google Maps shows the plaza’s proximity to main local arteries that feed commuters and shoppers from Winslow, Washington Township and points north and south on I‑295 and Route 42. That regional access is part of what makes a Ross — an off‑price apparel and home goods chain — a practical fit for the location.
Why Ross matters here
Ross Dress for Less is one of the nation’s largest off‑price clothing and home retailers. Shoppers go there for discounted brand-name apparel, shoes, and housewares. While Ross tends to be busiest on weekends and late afternoons, its reputation as a “treasure hunt” for discounted goods typically draws steady traffic from a wide trade area — not just the block or two around a store. In South Jersey, Ross locations often pull people from multiple towns; a Sicklerville Ross would likely do the same, bringing more shoppers to Cross Keys Road and nearby businesses.
What the swap from Big Lots to Ross could mean
– Jobs and economic activity: A Ross store would bring new retail jobs — typically dozens of positions — and likely boost daytime and weekend foot traffic at the center. That’s a small but relevant win for local employment and sales tax receipts in Camden County.
– Neighboring businesses could benefit: Restaurants, service shops, and smaller retailers in the plaza often see spillover from a new anchor tenant. More shoppers parking and lingering can help sustain independent operators next door.
– Traffic and parking: With increased foot traffic comes the possibility of more cars on Cross Keys Road, especially during peak shopping hours and holidays. Residents and commuters who use the nearby I‑295 exits may notice busier side streets and parking lots unless the center manages circulation carefully.
– Retail mix shift: Big Lots is a value-focused general merchandise store; Ross focuses on apparel and home goods. That shift changes what local shoppers can buy without driving elsewhere — potentially reducing trips to larger malls but also encouraging different patterns of shopping in Gloucester Township.
How confident should we be that Ross is coming?
Industry leasing records and signage at the plaza indicate activity toward a Ross tenancy, but these things can still change. We haven’t seen an official press release from Ross Stores, Inc., or a final building permit filing with Gloucester Township’s planning office at the time of writing. Historically, announcements like this move from “possible” to “confirmed” once permits are posted or the company publicly lists the location.
Local sentiment and context
Yelp reviews of Ross stores in nearby South Jersey towns tend to show an eager, budget-focused shopper base: people praise good deals and a broad selection, while others note crowded aisles or store organization as challenges. On local community social feeds, residents often react positively to off‑price retailers opening nearby because it cuts down on cross-town trips for basics and clothing deals. That civic convenience — less time on I‑295 or Route 42 driving to bigger shopping centers — is why a Sicklerville Ross could be well-received.
What to watch next
– Township permitting and zoning notices: If you want a definitive answer, Gloucester Township’s building and planning departments will post applications and permits when the tenant finalizes plans.
– Company confirmation: Ross corporate announcements or job postings for the Sicklerville address would be another clear sign the deal is set.
– Local traffic and business updates: Keep an eye on the Cross Keys Road plaza and nearby intersections off the I‑295 corridor for changes in signage, site work, or expanded parking — those are practical signals a new tenant is arriving.
Why this story matters to 295 drivers and Gloucester Township residents
Small retail shifts matter to communities along I‑295. A new Ross could alter where people park, how they shop, and which nearby businesses thrive. For commuters who use I‑295 exits into Gloucester Township, that could mean an extra stop on the way home that didn’t exist before, or a busier turn lane at peak times. For residents, it’s a neighborhood change that affects daily convenience, employment, and local tax receipts.
If you live or work near Cross Keys Road and have thoughts about a Ross coming into Sicklerville, let us know — we’ll follow up with permits, job listings, and neighborhood reaction as this develops.
Sources & next steps for readers
– Check Gloucester Township planning/building department for permit updates.
– Search Google Maps for the Cross Keys Road plaza and nearby intersections off I‑295 to see the layout and travel routes.
– Look at Ross corporate site and local job boards for store opening postings.
– For context on local retail moves, outlets like NJ.com and Patch.com often cover regional store openings and economic impacts.
– For shopper sentiment, Yelp reviews for nearby Ross locations can give a snapshot of customer experience.
Ari Williams
295Times.com — covering local news by exit, town, and county along I‑295.
