Chico Gonzales of Superb Flooring in Bend patches the concrete in preparation for laying a rubber mat at the entrance of the new Bealls department store in Hermiston. It's scheduled to open Sept. 22.

Bealls department store, offering apparel for all ages, is planning to open Sept. 22.

Kim O’Berg of Pendleton, store manager, intends to hire 50 temporary workers.

“When all is said and done, there will be approximately eight permanent employees,” she said.

Bealls, pronounced “Bells,” is based in Houston. The company is planning a grand opening Sept. 23 in the 14,000 square-foot space that until recently was the Gen X clothing store in the Hermiston Plaza at 930 Highway 395 South.

Bealls, which opened in La Grande in the spring of 2009, offers brand-name apparel for the family. In addition, O’Berg said, the store will offer accessories, footwear, fragrances and gifts.

“They’re expanding into Oregon and Idaho right now,” O’Berg said. “La Grande was the first in Oregon and this will be the second.”

Grand opening festivities begin at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Local officials also will be on hand to commemorate the opening of the store, which has a 10,500 square-foot sales floor.

“We’re happy to become part of the Hermiston community,” said Andy Hall, president and CEO of parent company, Stage Stores. “Even after more than 100 years in the retail business, we still get very excited when we can offer a great shopping experience to new customers.”

Stage Stores Inc. operates more than 775 stores in 39 states, including Bealls, Goody’s, Stage, Palais Royal and Peebles stores.

“It’s an upscale place,” O’Berg said as she watched workers finishing the interior. “It’s a nice store.”