Reviewed by: Amelia Pilgrim
L.L. Bean + IKEA among new businesses we are excited to welcome in 2026
Reading time: 5 minutes
We reported last week about some of the new businesses we welcomed to the Rocket City this year, but we also know of several new members of the business community that will arrive in the area in 2026.
Most of these new businesses have already made announcements (those have also been in our reports throughout the year), but we wanted to give a little reminder of what’s to come in the Huntsville-area business community.
L.L. Bean
The iconic clothing brand L.L. Bean has been popular for decades in Alabama from the company’s famous catalog and online orders. But in the spring, fans of the brand can shop at the first-ever L.L. Bean store, opening in April at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville.
At the new 16,000-foot Huntsville store, shoppers will be able to find L.L.Bean’s full assortment of iconic products like the Boat and Tote, Maine Hunting Shoe, Field Coat and Chamois Shirt, which helped establish the brand’s enduring reputation for outdoor-inspired apparel and footwear.
- Where: Bridge Street Town Centre (adjacent to Dick’s Sporting Goods)
- When: April, 2026
- Details
IKEA
One of the biggest business news stories of the year here in the entire state is that IKEA is coming to Huntsville. This will, however, be a scaled down version of a typical IKEA store. This 46,000-square-foot store will be about a sixth of the size, and most of the merchandise is for display purposes only and will have to be shipped to you after purchase.
This Huntsville location will include:
- 5,000 products in fully furnished room settings, including a selection of over 2,000 items available for take-home
- Other products available for purchase online, with free pickup at the Huntsville location
- An “As-Is Department,” offering gently used products, discontinued items, and a range of affordable furnishings
- A central planning area where customers can meet one-on-one with IKEA planners
- On-site restaurant
- Where: 6125 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35806,
- When: Spring 2026
- Details
Floriana
Floriana, a fan-favorite Italian restaurant in Washington, DC. and North Carolina, will open its third location in MidCity in 2026. With their dedication to upholding traditions, crafting fresh, handmade pastas and their community-minded spirit, this restaurant will make for the perfect addition to Huntsville.
The Huntsville menu will feature all of the popular dishes that make Floriana popular, along with new offerings like a raw bar, wood-fired oven pizzas and more. Plus, you can’t miss out on the carefully curated wine cellar and craft cocktail program that has been refined over decades.
- Where: NOLA Building at the corner of Mid City Drive and Stax Street
- When: Spring 2026
- Details
New tenants at Stadium Commons
The first wave of new tenants at Stadium Commons, the $145 million mixed-use development adjacent to Joe Davis Stadium, was announced recently, with five new businesses joining the recently opened Hattie B’s Hot Chicken.
Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate announced Thursday that the following businesses have signed leases at Stadium Commons:
- Ferren Boutique: Locally owned NYC-inspired premiere fashion boutique featuring contemporary, stylish, versatile women’s clothing
- Free People: An American bohemian apparel and lifestyle retail company that sells women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, intimates + swimwear
- Free People Movement: Offers performance-ready activewear
- VSL Nail Spa: Offers luxury spa experiences including nail care, waxing, foot massages + eyelash extensions
- Juniper’s Kitchen: An American restaurant with a full bar + serving dishes cooked over a wood-fired grill
- Where: 3312 S Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35801
- When: Rolling openings through May 2026
- Details
Perseus Sound Bar
Currently, Perseus Sound Bar is operating out of The Lumberyard before opening in January at its permanent location at MidCity. The hi-fi lounge is brought to you by Nick Quinn, the owner of Huntsville favorites Phat Sammy’s, Goodland Pour House and Mad Malts Brewing.
The new music and drink hub will serve Mediterranean inspired tapas, coffee and cocktails. Many are taking to the comments expressing their excitement.
- Where: 6025 Stax St NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
- When: January 2026
- Details
French Mill Crossing
Construction started on this new shopping center in Athens in May of this year. The shopping center will be anchored by a Publix supermarket and including a bank, gas station and approximately 60,000 square feet of retail space.
- Where: 14210 Mooresville Road, Athens, AL 35613
- When: Fall 2026
- Details
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