ONTARIO — The popular home décor retailer HomeGoods is expected to open a location in Ontario this year.
According to an online post from Goodman Real Estate Services Group LLC, HomeGoods has signed a lease for a 25,000-square-foot space at Village Square, located along Lexington-Springmill Road near U.S. 30.
Early plans with an end sight for this year
The store would occupy the former Big Lots building at 929 N. Lexington-Springmill Road, positioned alongside major retailers including Hobby Lobby, Dunham’s Sports and Ashley HomeStore.
The projected opening is currently listed as fall 2026 on Goodman’s website.
Ontario Zoning Inspector Benji Hall said the project remains in the early stages.
“We are in talks,” Hall said. “They’ve sent over drawings from the architect related to the interior buildout, but we haven’t received any signage permits yet, and those still need to be reviewed.”
Hall noted while architectural plans have been submitted, communication has been limited.
“We are in talks with the architect, but we haven’t had direct communication with HomeGoods,” he said.
County oversight and next steps
Because the project involves an interior renovation, rather than new construction or expansion, it may not require a full zoning permit, Hall said. Instead, oversight will primarily fall to Richland County for building codes and permitting.
“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.”
The typical process would involve review by Ontario officials before materials are sent to the county for further approval.
Hall said the involvement of an architect is an encouraging sign.
“It’s a good thing if the architect is reaching out — that means they’re putting a plan together,” he said.
“At this point, it’s still very early,” he said. “I haven’t had any contractors reach out yet.”
Hall said he spoke with Starr Duvall from RCG Ventures, the property manager and owners of the property.
According to Duvall, HomeGoods plans to be at the location in time for the holiday season.
“We will reach out to the architect and once we get the contractor’s license on who does the work there, that is when we will work on when the project will be done,” Hall said.
Richland Source contacted HomeGoods and Goodman Real Estate representatives for additional information, but did not receive a response in time for publication.