He added that the large book retailer’s woes have been well documented lately in the business world with Internet sales cutting into store profits, causing them to become more conservative when it comes to opening new stores.
The A and B buildings had to be occupied by large national chains. When Borders backed out a new search began, he said. Sport Chalet will occupy Building A, but there lingered the large question mark about Building B.
“It left us in a bit of a bind,” Mattix said.
When Home Goods stepped up to take the position Mattix researched the store’s reputation and merchandise. He found that although the prices are discounted they are of high quality.
“This is a place everyone is going to go to,” Mattix said.
This past weekend, Mattix, joined by Mayor Dave Spence and La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Pat Anderson, took a guided tour of Home Goods in Valencia led by Tom Morrey, regional manager and vice president for the store, and Rick Campagna, district manager.
“Everything was beautifully displayed,” Anderson said. “The inventory was phenomenal.”
In a release from Home Goods, the company describe itself as an off-price home fashions store that provides a large selection of high quality fashions including brand- and designer- named merchandise at discounted prices.
The parent company is TJX Companies, Inc. which also owns TJ Maxx, however both Mattix and Anderson stress that this is not a discount store in the traditional sense.
“They are not selling seconds or rejected items from other stores,” Anderson said. “This is all high quality stuff.”
Mattix said that during their tour a woman approached them, curious as to what the “suits” were doing at the store.
“She said she was a interior designer from Pasadena who brings clients to the (Valencia) store and shops there herself at least once a week,” Mattix said. “She was happy to hear there was going to be a store in La Cañada.”
Anderson said that not only was the store impressive with the welcoming displays but had clerks available to help customers with any questions.
“They also have delivery available at a reasonable price,” Anderson said.
Mattix said that many of the other units have been filled with tenants, although he is not announcing them at this time. The tenants will be able to access their buildings next summer.
“We are still accepting offers but already have many multi-leases,” he said.
