NAMPA - One of Canyon County’s retail giants is on the move – and it will mean big changes for two of the area’s largest developments.

Macy’s plans to open a new store next fall in the Nampa Gateway Center, across the freeway from the Idaho Center Automall at the Garrity Boulevard exit.  The Center is currently home to a JC Penney store.

The new store will replace an older location in Karcher Mall.  All employees working at the Karcher location will move to the new store.

“We look forward to bringing an exciting new shopping experience to the Nampa area,” Macy’s West CEO Jeff Gennette said in a prepared statement.  “Our dynamic store design will offer customers a new shopping experience and our merchandise selection will deliver fashion and affordable luxury for our shoppers. We also think the new location is well-positioned to serve Nampa as well as Caldwell, Meridian and west Boise.”

The new store will be spread out across a single level, and will feature a “main street” setup, with all the entrance doors in one place, and natural skylights and exterior windows to give the store a bright feeling.    The new Macy’s will include men’s and women’s clothing and home accessories.

The Nampa Gateway Center hopes to add a number of stores, restaurants and a hotel.

Macy’s operates three Treasure Valley stores, including at Boise Towne Square Mall and on Idaho Street in Downtown Boise.