An Ashley Furniture store is returning to Augusta Exchange shopping center.
A new Charlotte, N.C., licensee is taking over the territory and is aiming to have the store open by Thanksgiving Day.
Jonathan Ishee said his store will go into the space vacated by Goody’s this year.
The store will employ about 20 people, he said.
Mr. Ishee and his partners operate 10 Ashley Furniture HomeStores in the Carolinas, most recently reopening the Columbia store in January.
Ashley closed down in Augusta Exchange in September 2008. The former franchise was operated by Baker Group International of Lawrenceville, Ga.
The HomeStore won’t be able to occupy its former location in the plaza because Hobby Lobby has rented that space.
Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby said on its Web site that it will be opening its Augusta store in 2010.
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Good. The more businesses the better.
Ya!!!!!!!!!! Two of my favorite stores!!
Oh dear...just what my spouse needs - a Hobby Lobby tempting her everytime she shops around Target.
I am glad they are opening more stores again, the true test will be if they STAY open. I still remember all the drama with the last store, people paying for merchandise never received.
I am super glad a hobby store is coming there, only other one I know of is on bobby jones.
pommom38: Hobby Lobby isn't exactly a "hobby store" in the sense that Hobbytown USA that you refer to on Bobby Jones is. It's more of a Michael's or JoAnn Fabrics type store, only their prices are often better than Michael's. In fact, Hobby Lobby in Aiken is what drove Michael's in Aiken out of business soon after they opened. Wouldn't be surprised at all if the same happens at Augusta Exchange.
Pommom38 - Hobby Lobby is a craft strore, similar to Michaels. They were going to open in Evans, but could not get space in Mullins Crossing.
Wasn't Hobby Lobby supposed to be located in Mullins Crossing Phase II next to the proposed Costco? Why didn't they go on ahead and build? Now both companies are locating in Richmond County, along with Bass Pro Shops. Guess CC prefers empty strip malls lining Washington Road instead.
oh.. ok.. Well that's still good news, more jobs..
Poor quality furniture returns. Look out Rooms to Go!
Ashley Furniture is top quality and the most widely sold furniture in the country.
Will they honor the old outstanding orders from the previous store? My daughter bought and paid for a bedroom suite but not all was delivered, even though it was paid for. The
Corporate office would not "honor" the contract. So, buyer beware!
Ashley Furniture is top quality? Compared to what? Big Lots? Their furniture is crap. Go to High Point North Carolina if you want quality. Drexel Heritage, Lexington, Bernhardt, to name a few, are brands that you could actually pass down to generations. This country boy town cracks me up. Those folks who consider Ashley "top quality" probably consider The Olive Garden as fine dining. Hobby Lobby has some good decor, though. I'd be happy to see them come here.
I think the Michaels in Augusta will survive - it may have a stronger customer base than the one in Aiken had. I do love the Hobby Lobby though!!!!
I liked Ashleys.