Homesense filling the gap left by Sears in mall's north end

The wait is over on what is going into the long-empty Sears store at the north end of Georgian Mall.

Homesense, which has occupied a space at the other end of the mall for about 20 years, is moving to the bigger location that has seen a few tenants over the years.

The sign outside the front entrance makes it clear that the new space will be occupied by the discount home furnishing store.

Sears closed in January of 2018 and since then the location has not only sat empty but also seen discount shops and a Spirit Halloween occupy it.

Rumours have long suggested that Swedish furniture store IKEA would occupy the space, but those were always just that, rumours. 

BarrieToday tried finding out about some details, such as when the store may open and the rumour that it would be sharing the space with another store and reached out to RioCAN, the owners of the Georgian Mall.

General manager Jodi Chamberland said that “as RioCan does not own the property or building where the former Sears is located, it is best to reach out to the current owner.” 

Messages to that company, McCowan & Associates, were not answered.

An employee at Homesense in the Georgian Mall told BarrieToday they were unsure when the store might be open as construction delays have taken a toll on  developments. 

HomeSense has over 400 stores in Canada, including a location in Park Place in Barrie’s south end.