NATCHEZ — Workers broke ground Wednesday to build an Office Depot next to the Natchez Mall.

The new store will be built next to JC Penny, Mall manager Marie Lofton said.

“They’re working on getting the asphalt up,” Lofton said. “They’ve got to get the ground ready, then they will start building.”

The parking lot on which it will be built is seldom used except during the busy Christmas season, she said.

Lofton guessed construction might start as early as the middle of August.

Office Depot officials confirmed the office supply chain planned to build a store in Natchez, but no one could be reached for details.

Lofton was enthusiastic about the new construction.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s great that they’re locating at the mall. People are very excited about it.”

Not everyone is jumping up and down, though. Greg Smith, co-owner of Smith Printing and Office Supply, is one of those who is not excited about the chain store coming to town.

“I’m sure it will have an effect,” Smith said. “There’s only so much business in Natchez. We won’t know what that effect is until we get it here.”

Smith said the big difference between a business like Office Depot and his is origin.

“We’re a home-owned business,” Smith said. “(The key is) having a relationship with customers and hometown service. That’s about all we can do.

“I think it will work out. At least, I hope it will.”