Gas Lamp building bought by Kum & Go

Officials announced in February that Kum & Go has purchased the building housing the Gas Lamp, leaving the future of the bar in question. Frankie Farrell, who owns the Gas Lamp, said it will remain open, though he could not comment on the lease or the building’s future. The property, located at 1501 Grand Ave., is near the site of Kum & Go’s proposed new headquarters at 14th Street and Grand Avenue. Kum & Go purchased the Gas Lamp’s building, which dates back to 1892, for $1.25 million on Feb. 3. The company has now spent more than $14 million on land near the site of its proposed headquarters.

Apricot Lane to open in Valley West Mall

A women’s clothing boutique will open in Valley West Mall in West Des Moines on April 23. Apricot Lane is owned by Whitney Harbach, and the store will feature a mix of clothes, shoes and accessories. The store is part of a franchise, though each store is under local ownership and tailored to the local market. It offers styles for women in their teens through 50s and receives new shipments almost daily. Apricot Lane opened a store in Coral Ridge Mall last September, but this will be the first Des Moines-area location. It will take the former spot of Avon on the upper level of Valley West Mall. Avon moved to the former Lincoln & Lexi children’s clothing sport. Visit www.apricotlaneboutique.com or find it on Facebook.

Accumold announces multimillion-dollar expansion in Ankeny

Ankeny-based plastic injection molding company Accumold announced plans for a $10 million expansion to its Ankeny factory. The project, which is expected to break ground this spring, will add 40,000 square feet and 200 jobs during the next three years. The company currently has 221 employees and operates around the clock. Accumold made a similar expansion in 2010 at the same location, which totaled $7 million, aided by $800,000 in tax credits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. There is no word yet on whether the company will seek financial help from state or city officials for the newest expansion.

More changes coming to Jordan Creek Town Center

As the 10-year leases begin to expire at Jordan Creek Town Center, stores are leaving and new ones are taking their place. Godiva Chocolatier closed in January after choosing not to renew its lease. Radio Shack will close soon, following the company’s announcement of bankruptcy and plans to close half its stores. True Style is a women’s clothing store taking the place of Wet Seal, which filed for bankruptcy last year. Spring Valley Wireless is moving out of the mall and to the nearby Village shopping area where True Style was formerly located. Serenity Aveda hair salon has moved to West Glen Town Center, but Aveda Jordan Creek will remain in the mall, mostly selling Aveda products.

Sam’s Club to hire 170 people for new Ankeny store

Sam’s Club is scheduled to open a new location in Ankeny sometime this summer and is expecting to hire 170 people to work there. Both part- and full-time jobs are available. Sam’s Club opened a hiring center earlier in February at 1802 S.E. Delaware Ave., Suite 107 in Ankeny. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays. The new store will be the ninth Sam’s Club in Iowa and the second in the metro, located at 4625 S.E. Delaware Ave.

The Learning Post in Urbandale has new owner

Kym Howe has taken on ownership of The Learning Post, a resource for educational products and classroom supplies for teachers, homeschoolers, daycares and parents. Located at 2761 100th St. in Urbandale, The Learning Post has been in business for more than 38 years. Howe has a background in retail and technology, and she plans to make the store more efficient for customers to shop online in the future by upgrading the store’s website. She also plans to expand brands and products offered at the store for existing and new customers. Call 515-331-8008, visit www.learningpostltd.com or find it on Facebook. CV