Deer Park’s economic development specialist Joe Tortorelli, who refused to publically commit to naming the business, hopes that the retail store will begin construction this spring.

Tortorelli’s announcement coincides with the members-only discount retail chain Bi-Mart Corp.’s recent purchase of 3.36 acres on south Main Street.

According to Chris Bell, an associate broker for NAI Black, the Eugene, Ore.-based company is looking to build a 30,000-square-foot outlet in Deer Park.

Deer Park officials have received construction plans and conducted preconstruction meetings with Bi-Mart officials. No building permits will be issued until a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist is completed.

Mayor Robert Whisman, who contacted Bi-Mart officials last year about the possibility of locating the store in Deer Park, said the business would hire about 40 employees. Tortorelli estimated the workforce at about 40-60 people.

The employee-owned Bi-Mart currently has 66 stores in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.