St. Louis discount retailer Here Today will renovate the old Hastings store at 2233 Missouri Blvd. and shoot to open its Jefferson City location in October.
Heather Strahorn, Here Today marketing director, told the News Tribune that Here Today recently signed a lease with the building's owners. The store has already hired a general manager and is still looking for two assistant general managers and two part-time shift leaders, Strahorn said. She added the store will likely open in early October and hire 35 people.
The building's owner, Larry Kolb, president of Kolb Properties, said the building's marquee will also be painted and other minor additions to the front of the store will be made.
Here Today sells home and outdoor decor, clothing and groceries at discount rates. Its stores are known to be similar to dollar stores, with many items costing about $1. Its selection of home decor is smaller than other home retailers like HomeGoods, and it carries a small selection of groceries, cleaning and bath supplies. Here Today stores also boast large selections of wines and craft beers, including some wine bottles that start at $3. Stores tend to be filled with bright neon blue, yellow, green and pink signs and feature trendy merchandise.
"It's a reinvention of the discount store," Strahorn said. "The concept is here today, gone tomorrow because of the idea that our merchandise is constantly changing."
The company currently has eight stores in the St. Louis area. Jefferson City's store will be one of three opening at the beginning of the fourth quarter, along with stores in Cape Girardeau and Sikeston as the company makes its first foray outside of St. Louis. Here Today plans to open another eight to 10 stores in 2018.
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