Construction on the new 22,200-sq.-ft. HomeGoods store has started. The new building at Columbia Center will be adjacent to Old Country Buffet.

HomeGoods is a low-price home fashion store owned by TJX, which also owns the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls brands of low-price retailers.

Moorefield Construction of Santa Ana, Calif. if the contractor on the construction project, which is valued at $2.7 million.

TJX launched HomeGoods in 1992 to offer discounted home fashions, giftware, home basics, accent furniture, lamps, rugs, accessories and seasonal merchandise. It carries all varieties of home items you can find at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, but no clothing. The retailer offers brand-name products discounted as much as 60 percent and stocks new shipments weekly.

The nearest HomeGoods to the Tri-Cities is in Spokane.

“We are thrilled to welcome a leading home fashion store like HomeGoods to (Columbia Center’s) mix of retailers,” said Jordan Youngs, Columbia Center’s director of marketing and business development. “Columbia Center is already a destination for Southeastern Washington and Eastern Oregon shoppers, and with the addition of HomeGoods, we will continue to attract regional consumers.

Several long-time mall tenants are doing upgrades and expansions, and other new retailers are appearing.

Columbia Center’s Eddie Bauer and Victoria’s Secret stores will re-open at new locations within the mall after undergoing remodels to expand and offer new brands.

Eddie Bauer has relocated its store next to Lane Bryant, in a new 4,500-sq.-ft. retail storefront that is now open. The popular Seattle-based retailer offers everything from classic outerwear and casual sportswear to travel shoes and accessories.

Victoria’s Secret is remodeling and expanding to include a 4,700-sq.-ft. Pink store. Pink, a collection by Victoria’s Secret, offers cool, comfortable clothes for everyday wear, including workout apparel, swimwear and a collegiate collection.

The new Pink store and adjoining Victoria’s Secret, which has also been renovated, will debut in the fall.

Inka’s Fashion open in early February. The 1,500-sq.-ft. store, located near Sears, carries a wide selection of exotic Peruvian fashion from colorful dresses and handbags to jewelry. Almost every item is imported and handmade by designers overseas, using rich textiles, like Alpaca wool.

Concept, a local lifestyle boutique, opened Mar. 1. The 1,400-sq.-ft. store near JC Penney offers trendy fashion for women and children, including designer labels. The store also has a selection of greeting cards, journals and novelty items.

“The mall and are retailers are committed to continually enhancing the shopping experience,” Young said. “We are excited for our shoppers to experience these new store additions, expansions and renovations.”

Columbia Center is owned by the Indianapolis, Ind.-based Simon Property Group.

For more information about HomeGoods, go to www.homegoods.com.