Stein Mart announced Thursday that its Southern Pines store will open Oct. 26.

The store is the first in the Sandhills region and is the 20th in the state. It's located on U.S. 15-501 in the former Bi-Lo building.

Work has been going on since Stein Mart began leasing the building in September.

"We are happy to bring the Stein Mart shopping experience to the Southern Pines and Pinehurst communities," said Michael D. Fisher, president and CEO of Stein Mart Inc. "We are pleased to meet the growing demand for Stein Mart merchandise."

Stein Mart sells brand name clothing at less than brand-name prices. It has clothes for men and women, accessories, linens and shoes.

"We provide customers with engaging fashion in an upscale shopping environment at prices they can feel good about," Fisher said.

Stein Mart also announced that it will hold a pre-opening and store preview Oct. 24, with proceeds to go to St. Joseph of the Pines Guild. The guild is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients who live in St. Joseph's Health Center. It's been active since 1948.

"Stein Mart is pleased to support an organization whose services extend to those in need," Fisher said.

All the proceeds will go to various projects the guild is working on, including the purchasing of equipment. Tickets are $15 a person and can be purchased from a guild member by calling 692-5461.

"We are delighted to welcome Stein Mart to the area," said Lane Bergstrom, president of St. Joseph of the Pines Guild. "Their awareness and interest to partner with us is a great benefit to the people of the Sandhills region."

The store is opening in the 32,000-square-foot building that used to house the Bi-Lo. The grocery store opened several years ago amid protests from residents who argued that the town didn't need another grocery store and were upset at the clear-cutting of the land.

Stein Mart is based in Jacksonville, Fla.

The cornerstone of Stein Mart is the Boutique, a store-within-a-store concept that offers ladies merchandise with the presentation, quality and service found in specialty boutique shops. The Boutique is staffed by ladies who work part-time and serve as personal shoppers.

Stein Mart began as one store in Mississippi in the early 1900s. It has grown to include 260 stores in 30 states. Its sales topped $1.5 billion in 2005.

Matthew Moriarty can be reached at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.