T.J. Maxx Opening a Big Hit

People began lining up at 8 a.m. on Sunday just to be the first to get into the new T.J. Maxx store that opened on Ventura Boulevard in the heart of Sherman Oaks.

"There were about 150 people on line when we opened this morning," said Cathy Woiwood, district manager of T.J. Maxx.

Talking to Sherman Oaks Patch, Woiwood was surrounded by a throng of shoppers who were lined up to pay for clothing, stockings, children's books and many other items that the retailer is offering at its new store at 14651 Ventura Blvd.

"Where are the umbrellas?" asked one shopper who had just come into the store, out of the rain, dripping wet.

The location had been vacant since last summer when Borders Bookstore shut down after the company had filed for bankruptcy protection.

When asked if she was surprised that so many people came to this store opening at a time when the economy is still soft, Woiwood replied, "Not at all, our openings always draw a big crowd. We're a popular retailer in this area and we've done a lot of advance marketing."

A man was stationed at the entrance to the rear parking lot holding a sign that said, "Lot Full."

This was the largest vacant retail space on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.