Old Time Pottery debuts in Queen City

Old Time Pottery is officially open for business in the Queen City, filling a major retail real estate void from this year’s Hobby Lobby and Mardel move.

The Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based home decor retailer's first Springfield store got its start Sept. 3. A grand opening event is scheduled Sept. 15-17, according to a news release.

“Our new store has the largest and most affordable assortment of home decor items in Springfield," Old Time Pottery CEO Jason Schmitt said in the release.

A Facebook post on the Springfield Old Time Pottery's page indicates the store has more than 30,000 home decor items in stock.

The 85,000-square-foot store, 1535 E. Battlefield Road, was announced in June. It replaces Hobby Lobby and Mardel, which in March moved to 3075 S. Glenstone Ave.

During the store's first several weeks in business, Old Time Pottery customers may donate discounted goods to Springfield nonprofit Abilities First, according to the release. The grand opening event includes food trucks and giveaways.

Old Time Pottery has around 40 stores in 11 states.