New store off to a good start

HomeGoods in the new La Cañada Town Center threw open its doors for the first time Sunday morning to a welcoming crowd that appeared eager to do some shopping despite ongoing, serious financial woes throughout the nation and abroad.

“This is exactly the type of store that will do well, especially in this economy, because it offers high quality merchandise at low, low prices,” said Michelle Khachadoorian of Sunland, who has been a regular shopper at the company’s Valencia store and is grateful for something a bit closer to her home.

The retail chain, established in 1992, whose parent company is TJX Companies, Inc. (Marshalls and T.J. Maxx are other holdings) has over 289 stores. HomeGoods specializes in offering quality home furnishings from around the world, including name brands, at prices 20-60% below those of department and specialty stores.

About 80 shoppers had already gathered around the store entrance when store manager Desiree Lyons came out to welcome them just before 8 a.m., saying, “HomeGoods is looking forward to being in your community we want to welcome you.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed Lyon’s address. Anna Arutyunyan of La Crescenta, who had been waiting patiently with her two daughters outside the well-stocked and highly-decorated store since before 7:30 a.m., was chosen to cut the ribbon.

Within the first hour of business the crowd swelled to about 300 people, many pushing loaded shopping carts.

“It’s exciting,” said her daughter Melanie Issagholian, a resident of Calabasas who drove to La Cañada specifically to attend the HomeGoods’ grand opening with her mother and sister.

Andranik Masihi of Glendale also arrived well before the store opened. “I’m a serious HomeGoods shopper,” Masihi said.

Apparently the retail chain has quite a following. Customer Allison Tennant, who has homes in Palm Desert and Seattle, traveled from Seattle for the La Cañada store’s grand opening because she “wanted to see what a new store looks like.” Tennant hopes to see he company open a store in the Seattle area.

Longtime friends and HomeGoods fans Sandy Wise of Glendale and Darlene Pittman of Burbank actually entered the store singing, “If you’re happy and you know it, slide your card ” Wise intoned gaily, “We don’t need anything, but we had to be here.”

Dave and Joey Mitchell, La Cañada residents for over 50 years, were checking the store out. Said Joey Mitchell, “We’ve never had a store like this.”

Kathi Reeser of La Crescenta had her cart and was ready to shop.

“I’ve been to the HomeGoods in Valencia with my daughter-in-law” she said.

La Cañada HomeGoods employs 60 sales associates. “Everybody is cross-trained; That’s the fun thing about it,” said processing coordinator Larry Leivas.

“It’s a great philosophy,” he said, because every associate has a general working knowledge of the store and can not only fill in for one another, but can better assist customers.

Through Oct. 19 customers are invited to fill out an entry form for a $1,000 gift certificate to the store.

Hours of operation for the store are 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.