HomeGoods store opens in University Park

UNIVERSITY PARK ­-- A new HomeGoods store opened in the Shoppes at University Town Center this week.

The store took the place of a Bealls outlet in June 2014 and has since built an additional 8,000 square feet on to the location. The store was expanded from 13,000 square feet to nearly 22,000 square feet because it needed room to accommodate the 35,000-item HomeGoods inventory.

TJX Companies Inc. is the parent company of the home furnishing stores and operates eight other HomeGoods stores in the Tampa area.

"There are a lot of home enthusiasts in the market who are savvy shoppers looking for high-quality, designer home décor at great value, so it's a natural fit," Tracey said.

TJX also owns discount stores T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.

The HomeGoods in University Park will employ an estimated 60 part-time and full-time employees. Tracey said all positions are currently filled, but interested applicants can still apply at any of the nine Tampa-area locations.

"We are happy to be opening in University Park and excited to provide shoppers with an exciting shopping experience with our always-changing selection of high-quality home fashions at incredible prices," John Ricciuti, President of HomeGoods said in a press release.

HomeGoods provides a variety of home décor and furnishings at prices 20 percent to 60 percent lower than department store prices. The store offers layaway as well as a 30-day return policy.

HomeGoods operates one other Sarasota location inside the Village Plaza Shopping Center on Bee Ridge Road and more than 480 stores nationwide.

This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "HomeGoods store opens in University Park ."