Ashley Furniture Homestore is expected to open in Cullman during the early part of 2017.

The large retailer has numerous locations across the country and in Alabama, providing a full line of furnishings for the home.

Jason Grimmett of Drinkard Development in Cullman said work is already underway to prepare for Ashley’s arrival in the 23,000 square-foot building that once housed Health Fit in Town Plaza.

“We’ve been working with them 18 months and are looking at possibly a late January opening,” Grimmett said. “They are a strong business and operate in north and south of here in good markets.”

Ashley is expected to hire 21-25 people initially, with about a third of those positions fulltime.

The retail stores carry an extensive line of living room, dining room, bedroom and home office furnishings. The stores also feature a wide range of accessories for home interiors.

Ashley designs, manufactures and distributes its products. The company reached 500 stores in operation in 2014.