HomeGoods parent company to open Florida's first Homesense in Sarasota
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Oct 18, 2022

Homesense, a home furnishings retailer owned by the same parent company as TJMaxx and HomeGoods, will open its first Florida store in Sarasota.

Sarasota developer Benderson Development says it has signed a 30,000-square-foot lease with Homesense, which will open in the West District at University Town Center next to Old Navy on the west side of Cattlemen Drive.

Sarasota’s UTC is home to more than 4 million square feet of commercial space, including the Mall at UTC, which opened in 2014.

Homesense is also planning a store in Sunrise — initially reported as Florida’s first location — but the Sarasota store opens first on Nov. 10.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Homesense’s entry into Florida,” Mark Chait, executive director of leasing for Benderson, said in a statement. “The UTC district is known for its exciting brands and experiences, and we’re pleased to introduce another first-to-market retailer to the greater Sarasota-Bradenton community.”

Homesense launched in Canada in 2001 and entered the U.S. market in 2017. Most of its American stores are concentrated in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Like its sister stores, Homesense sells brand-name furniture, rugs, lighting, wall art and decor at a discount.