HomeSense is a Canadian chain of discount home furnishing stores owned by TJX Companies. It originated in Canada in 2001, and was expanded to Europe in 2008 and the United States in 2017. Outside of the United States, the chain is comparable to the TJX-owned HomeGoods. Within the country, where HomeGoods already operates, it features more big ticket items than its sister store.
History
Canadian operations
Since 2001 this brand operates in Canada, as of 2014, HomeSense holds over 100 stores including its "Mega-stores" which include full Winners and HomeSense stores combined. The Canadian chain is similar to TJX's HomeGoods chain in the United States. HomeSense operates along with Winners in Canada both of which share common ownership by TJX Companies. Homesense specializes in home furnishings, selling products that range from low end to name brand. Prices tend to be competitive to account for minor defects or discontinued lines; however they also carry products that are in excellent condition. Some of their items can also be found in other department stores.
European operations
In April 2008, TJX launched the HomeSense brand in the United Kingdom. The first store to open was in Poole, and this was closely followed by stores in Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucester, Northampton and Manchester followed by Thurrock in October 2008 and Cambridge in March 2009. By the end of 2009 HomeSense are operating 14 stores and have opened an additional 6 stores between August and November in Worcester, Birmingham, Preston, Romford, Staples Corner and Nottingham. HomeSense have plans for approx 150 stores in the UK & Ireland over the next 5–7 years, and has alluded to expansion in continental Europe in the future. In 2010 HomeSense plans to open stores in Reading, Chichester, Tunbridge Wells, and Chester. The HomeSense flagship store is located in Westfield Merry Hill, Dudley, England, and opened in May 2010. Throughout April and May 2009, the original launch stores received minor refurbishments to bring design and decoration into line with newer stores. This coincided with a relaunch of the company's website, and the adoption of a new slogan, "It makes perfect HomeSense". Prior to this, the slogan was "Unique Finds, Irresistible Prices". The results of a customer survey completed in 2009 showed a 100% recommendation rate from customers, something which had been targeted prior to the brands launch. Staff aprons, the most distinctive part of the uniform, partially change on a seasonal basis. As part of TJX Europe's 'Real Responsibility' initiative, HomeSense has partnered with the homeless charity Emmaus. As well as donating unsold stock, the company has started selling jute bags for £1.99, of which at least 50p is donated to Emmaus. In 2009, the company also started selling Fairtrade cotton bags for 99p. The company does not give out any bags free in order to reduce its environmental footprint. Plastic bags come in 3 sizes and customers are charged 10p for the medium and large sized bags and 15p for the extra large. The revenue gained is used to cover the cost of manufacturing the bags with any remaining sum donated to The Woodland Trust; HomeSense does not therefore profit from the sale of its plastic bags. By the end of the financial year 2009/10 HomeSense estimates it will have sales of £270m, a 40% increase on the previous year. By the end of fiscal year 14 they expect to be one of the largest home and gift retailers in Europe. HomeSense opened its first Irish stores in Dublin and Cork in June 2017.
American operations
HomeSense operates alongside and complements HomeGoods in the United States and so it differs from the original Canadian HomeSense stores and European locations. In the United States, HomeSense has a larger selection of furniture, art, and lighting from HomeGoods stores, and it even offers fixtures. Future plans for the chain include the addition of 400 more stores across the country. HomeSense opened the first U.S. location in Framingham, Massachusetts in August 2017. Later that month, the company announced plans to open two additional stores in New Jersey in East Hanover and Seaview Square Shopping Center in Neptune. An additional Massachusetts location in Westwood opened on 9 November 2017. On 8 February 2018, it was announced another location would open at Moorestown Mall in the former Macy's space later that year. In Pennsylvania a location is coming to Langhorne in the Lincoln Plaza in a former hhgregg that was originally circuit city. Plans have not just been confirmed for New Jersey and Massachusetts. In Delaware, HomeSense will open at the Fashion Center At Christiana. Two locations are also planned in the New York City area, One in Long Island, 24 May 2018, and another store in Riverhead.. An additional New Jersey location is coming to the Nassau Park Pavilion in West Windsor, New Jersey to the former Kohl's. next to TJ Maxx.
