TWO RETAILERS PLAN EXPANSIONS TO CAPE

Goody's Family Clothing store is looking to a spring opening in Cape Girardeau.

Goody's, a fast-growing retailer headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., has more than 200 stores in 14 states with sales of more than $700 million annually.

The store, which will be in Cape West Plaza Shopping Center on Siemers Drive in Cape West Business Park, will provide up to 35 jobs. It is the first Goody's store in Missouri.

Another big retail operation will move into Cape Girardeau March 1: Silk Tree Factory, headquartered at Paducah, Ky., will open at 201 S. Broadview in a 45,000-square-foot building that previously housed American Superstores.

Goody's Family Clothing will operate out of a 27,500-square-foot building adjoining Staple Office Supply.

"We're looking to a May opening," said Justin Titcombe, a Goody's spokesman. "A lot depends on the weather."

Goody's was founded in 1953, when M.D. Goodfriend and a partner began Athens Outlet Store in the small community of Athens, Tenn. The store featured closeouts, irregulars and previous-year merchandise.

In 1972, Goodfriend's son Bob joined the operation, and the format switched to current, first-quality, name-brand merchandise under the new name of Goody's Family Clothing.

"Goody's features moderately priced clothing for the entire family," said Titcombe. "We're not a discount or department store; we're more of a specialty store and feature brand names like Bugle Boy, Jordache, Fundamental Things, Levi's, Reebok, SI Fashions, Nike, Adidas and others.

The group has grown from 12 stores and $3 million in sales in 1972, to 203 stores and more than $696 million in sales in 1995.

Goody's moved its headquarters from Athens to Knoxville. The company went public in October 1991, and is traded on Nasdaq (NM:GDYS).

Goody's employs more than 5,000 people nationally.

Silk Tree Factory was founded by Joe and Cindy Wallace with one store at Paducah five years ago.

"Cape Girardeau will be our 10th store," said Cindy Wallace. "Stores in the group range up to 60,000 square feet and are in five states."

Silk Tree Factory considers itself a home-decorating center, said Wallace. The main product, however, is the silk-floral retail and wholesale business.

"We also carry a large line of home decorations," said Wallace.