Stein Mart opened in Southern Pines today.

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

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.