Hayneedle, which has more than 200 online stores, specializes in internet sales of home goods, said Kevin Chesar, Monroe’s director of development.
“They’re unique in that they have the specialization of internet sales. If you’re looking for fire pits, if you’re looking for bar stools, if you’re Radio Flyer wagons, you’re going to find it with them,” he said.
The company recently was awarded a 45 percent job creation tax credit from the Ohio Department of Development for the project, worth about $98,000.
The tax credit, which is good for six years, requires that the company maintain operations in Monroe for nine years, according to the Ohio Department of Development.
The project is expected to generate a $1.4 million annual payroll, create 49 full-time shipment fulfillment jobs and open in June, Chesar said.
“IDI is trying to get the building prepped for them to move in. Their anticipated hiring date will be the April-May time frame. The average wage is $12 an hour, plus benefits,” he said.
“What’s exciting to us is that they are a growing company. We anticipate for them to flourish in Monroe. They have room for them to grow if need be in that building.”
Chesar said the company liked Monroe’s ability to reach other jurisdictions throughout the country.
“This region is ideal for consumer-direct distribution. It provides for more rapid delivery to our customers than any other region,” said Tom Clement, Hayneedle’s director of logistics and distribution strategy.
Hayneedle, the leading online retailer in product variety, was originally established in 2002 as NetShops, Inc. with just three employees. In 2009, it changed its name, recognizing an opportunity to develop multiple niche e-commerce stores, the company said.
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