Richmond Hill could have a Goody’s department store just in time for Christmas.
During its regular meeting Aug. 6, the Richmond Hill City Council approved an application from Nightingale Properties for a new 12,800-square-foot Goody’s store to be located on Ford Avenue in the old Kroger shopping center next to Goodwill.  
Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler said he’s heard nothing but positives about the retailer coming to the city.
“I think it’s a great addition,” he said. “Instead of an empty box sitting there by Goodwill, we’ve got some more retail going in. Everybody I’ve talked to seems to be real excited about it.”
Work is supposed to get under way on the store immediately, according to Nightingale’s Jeff Shaw.
“They hope to be open by Christmas,” he said. “It’s going to be a tight schedule, but that’s their desire and that’s what their lease says they’re supposed to do.”
Goody’s, which sells clothing, shoes and apparel, is one of five brand-name retailers owned by Texas-based Stage Stores Inc.
Stage has more than 800 stores in 40 states, according to its website. The company also operates stores under the Stage, Bealls, Peebles and Palais Royal brand. Stage had sales of more than $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2010, according to its website.