Homesense To Open First FL Store In Sarasota’s UTC Area

SARASOTA, FL — Home furnishings retailer Homesense is opening its first Florida store next month.

The new location will open Nov. 10 in the University Town Center’s West District at 125 N. Cattlemen Road in Sarasota, according to the brand’s website.

Homesense will operate a 30,000-square-foot space next to Old Navy, Benderson Development, the developer of UTC, said in a news

The off-price retailer, which sells apparel, as well as home décor, falls under the umbrella of The TJX Companies, which also includes T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra in the United States.

Homesense was founded by TJX in Canada in 2001, the news release said. It later launched in the U.S. in 2017.

There are currently 45 Homesense stores open or coming soon throughout the U.S. with locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and now, Florida, according to the company’s website.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Homesense’s entry into Florida,” Mark Chait, executive director of leasing for Benderson Development, said. “The UTC district is known for its exciting brands and experiences, and we’re pleased to introduce another first-to-market retailer to the greater Sarasota-Bradenton community.”

Benderson Development’s UTC is a mixed-use destination off I-75 and University Parkway, bordering Sarasota and Manatee counties. Spanning more than 4 million square feet, the property features more than 250 specialty stores, 80-plus restaurants, three hotels and more than 250,000 square feet of premier office space.

In addition to Homesense, other new businesses coming to UTC include: Christmas Tree Shops (opening Saturday), Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Yard House, Foxtail Coffee Co, 3Natives Acai and Juicery, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Kelly’s Roast Beef, Post Kitchen & Bar, and The Breakfast Company.