ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — More than 2,300 people showed up before 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, as HomeGoods opened its first Albany location at the Cross Station Shopping Center on Old Dawson Road, marking a new chapter in retail growth for Southwest Georgia.

The approximately 30,000-square-foot store will continue its grand opening celebration until 10 p.m. Thursday. A store manager said he is expecting a total of more than 4,000 people to come to the grand opening.

The new location is expected to create approximately 65 full- and part-time jobs in the Albany area.

>> READ MORE: HomeGoods opening first Albany store with grand opening celebration and $10,000 community donation <<

‘Something a lot of people have been waiting for’

Albany resident Zaykeria Cross said she did not expect a large crowd.

“I’ve never seen a grand opening or something attract this many people,” Cross said. “Nothing that people actually care to go to on the ground.”

Cross said the store fills a gap in Albany’s retail landscape.

“You don’t really have a place that’s dedicated to finding really an all-in-one furniture,” she said. “Everywhere else is like clothing stores. I think you’re just getting the best of it all rather than just clothing shopping.”

Drawing shoppers from across the region

The opening also attracted shoppers from outside Albany. Louise Wilder, from Sylvester, said she and her sister made the trip specifically for the grand opening.

“It sure looks like [Albany] is growing,” she said. “With new stores like this, I’m real happy. I want it to do well and succeed.”

When asked what she would like to see come to Albany next, Wilder suggested more places to eat.

“I wouldn’t mind some more restaurants,” she said. “Probably some more restaurants and stores such as this.”

The store’s regular hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.

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