There’s no place like HomeGoods: New store opens in Ontario

ONTARIO — Finding the perfect finishing touch for a home just got a little easier for shoppers in Ontario.

HomeGoods officially opened its doors Thursday morning at Village Square, filling the former Big Lots building with home decor, seasonal decorations and plenty of finds for the home.

The 25,000-square-foot store is at 929 N. Lexington-Springmill Road, near U.S. 30, alongside major retailers including Hobby Lobby, Dunham’s Sports and Ashley HomeStore.

Hours for the location are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Our new store in Ontario offers shoppers an ever-changing selection of high-quality, on-trend and brand-name merchandise at the amazing prices HomeGoods is known for,” the HomeGoods company said. “Our buyers create a unique mix that offers values for styles in every department, and we’re excited to offer this experience to the shoppers of Ontario.”

“We’re excited to join the Ontario community and are thrilled by the incredible response to today’s grand opening.”

From Christmas decor to everyday finds

A balloon arch welcomed customers at the entrance, where employees were ready to greet shoppers and help them explore the new store.

Shoppers entering the new location found aisles lined with a variety of merchandise, including a large selection of Christmas decorations ready to make their way into homes just in time for the holidays.

Beyond seasonal decorations, HomeGoods offers a variety of merchandise for different areas of the home. According to the company’s website, its selection includes furniture, bedding, kitchenware, lighting, rugs, wall art, bath accessories, storage solutions and pet products.

The retailer also offers prices generally 20% to 60% below comparable merchandise at full-price retailers, including department stores, specialty retailers and major online retailers, according to the company.

For Shelby Spencer of Butler, the opening brought a favorite retailer a little closer to home.

“Awesome,” Spencer said when asked how it felt to have a HomeGoods location closer to her. 

She said the Ontario store is now the closest location to her. Spencer browsed the store Thursday, doing some early Christmas shopping while picking up a few items for herself.

“We needed this,” she said.

HomeGoods also shared its grand opening day with Chick-fil-A Ontario-Mansfield, located just across the parking lot.

The two openings brought shoppers and diners to the area for a day of food and shopping.

Spencer said she welcomed the continued growth in Ontario and the opportunities it brings to the surrounding community.

“It feels good,” she said. “I would much rather come here than drive to Columbus.”

(Register area inside the Ontario HomeGoods location. Credit: Hannah Martin)

From early plans to opening day

The HomeGoods project first came into the spotlight earlier this year when Goodman Real Estate Services Group LLC announced the retailer had signed a lease for space at Village Square.

Ontario Zoning Inspector Benji Hall previously explained the project involved an interior renovation rather than an expansion or new construction. As a result, Richland County would handle much of the building-code and permitting oversight

“When there’s no additional square footage being added, it’s not really a zoning permit situation,” Hall explained. “The project would be reviewed at the county level since it’s an interior buildout.”

Ontario Mayor Josh Bradley said bringing HomeGoods to the city helps to strengthen its local economy.

“It’s exciting to see another nationally recognized business choose Ontario,” Bradley said. “It’s also great to see existing vacant commercial properties being filled with such great community partners.”

HomeGoods is more than just a place to shop, he said. It will attract additional visitors into Ontario and in turn those visitors will support the other local businesses.

“I think each business that chooses Ontario does nothing but strengthen us as a community,” Bradley said.

“I know that I’m biased but Ontario is a great place to live and raise a family but as you can see from all the businesses along our commercial district, it’s an excellent place to invest in as well.”

Supporting the Ontario community

Beyond bringing another shopping destination to Ontario, HomeGoods expects the new store to create approximately 65 full- and part-time positions, according to a press release.

The company also plans to present a $10,000 donation to The Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc. in support of its work providing safety, education and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault.

The donation is part of HomeGoods’ Find Home Anywhere initiative, a long-term commitment to helping people feel a sense of home through its products, programs and community partnerships.

HomeGoods also plans to give local shoppers opportunities to support the initiative throughout the year through nationwide fundraising efforts benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

(Photos from opening day of HomeGoods. Credit: Hannah Martin)