Agawam Shoppes welcomes newest tenant

Date: 12/8/2010

Dec. 8, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Assistant Editor

AGAWAM -- The town's economy got a bit of a boost on Black Friday. Home Source Warehouse hosted its grand opening in the Agawam Shoppes on Springfield Street.

The 36,000 square-foot space had been vacant since when Steve & Barry's clothing store closed in the fall of 2008. The recession made finding a new tenant "very challenging," according to Deborah Dachos, director of planning and community development.

"The feedback from customers has been very positive," Bilal Chaudhery, owner of Home Source Warehouse, said. "Many people have stated they have been waiting for a store with our unique concept to open in Agawam."

He noted the store offers a "wide selection" of discounted household items from mattresses to rugs to bathroom accessories to furniture, employing 25 sales staff. "Our product line is not complete and our inventory is still growing," Chaudhery said.

Mayor Richard Cohen stated, "Though I am cautiously optimistic, I see the opening of Home Source Warehouse and the flurry of other openings here in Agawam as an indicator of an improving economy and a sign of continuing good things to come.

"Promoting our local economy and supporting Agawam businesses is at the top of my administrative agenda," he continued. "Deborah Dachos, Agawam's director of planning and community development, and I will continue to strive to fill Agawam's remaining vacant storefronts and welcome Home Source Warehouse and all the new businesses who have recently put down roots in our town."

Home Source Warehouse (www.shophsw.com) is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.