If all goes as planned there could be a new Meijer store in the Eastwood Mall Complex by 2021.

After months of reporting that the department store chain was eyeing the former Super Kmart building on Niles Cortland Road, Cafaro Company spokesman Joe Bell now tells 21 News that they have a deal with Meijer for the new store.

Bell says the deal is still contingent on any needed government approvals.

One such approval is the topic of a hearing tonight held by the Howland Township Board of Zoning Appeals.

Meijer is asking for zoning variances to put up signs and a reduction in the number of loading areas.

That hearing is scheduled for 7 pm tonight at the Howland Township Administration Building, 205 Niles-Cortland Road NE.

Bell says the company hopes to open the new store in 2021.

Kmart closed the Howland store in April as part of a downsizing plan.

Meijer, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, operates more than 240 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.

The privately-owned and family operated company says it pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and now sells fresh produce, meat, apparel, toys, electronics, garden supplies and offers pharmacy services.

Meijer also owns property on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown and is interested in developing land along Route 224 near Tippecanoe Road in Boardman.