A Boston-based e-commerce retailer plans to bring 500 new jobs to Athens.

Wayfair, which sells home furnishings, décor, home improvement and housewares, will invest more than $8 million in a customer support facility in Athens, according to an announcement Wednesday from the governor's office.

The decision to locate in Athens "is a testament to the economic development assets available in Athens-Clarke County and this region," Gov. Brian Kemp said in the statement.

Founded in 2002, Wayfair now has about 13,300 employees.

The new facility is part of the company's efforts to expand, according to a statement by Tom Svitil, head of sales and service.

Among the brands sold by the company are Wayfair, Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane and Perigold.

Earlier this year, Wayfair opened its first brick and mortar location, an outlet store in Kentucky that the company says sells closeouts and furniture items that have been returned but are still in good condition.

The online retailer has 13.9 million active customers.

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