Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Wayfair, one of the world's largest online destinations for the home, will create 500 jobs and invest more than $8 million in a customer support facility in Athens.

“Wayfair’s decision to locate their new customer support facility in Athens-Clarke County is a testament to the economic development assets available in Athens-Clarke County and this region,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “Our world-class logistics network has become a magnet for e-commerce companies looking to grow and reach new markets, and we are thrilled that Wayfair chose Georgia.”

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Wayfair has operations throughout North America and Europe. The e-commerce retailer currently employs more than 13,300 people.

“We are pleased to bring 500 jobs to the city of Athens as we expand our Sales & Service operations to support the rapid growth of the business,” said Tom Svitil, Head of Sales and Service, Wayfair. “At Wayfair, exceptional service is a core tenet of our business and our expanded operations will allow us to even better serve our customers across the country.”

The Wayfair family of sites includes: Wayfair, Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane and Perigold.

“We are excited that Wayfair has selected Athens as their new home,” said Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz. “The high quality of life in Athens is greatly enhanced by strong employment opportunities, such as those represented by this announcement. This project will become part of a significant area of vitality and redevelopment that will continue in the months and years to come.”

Wayfair currently operates warehouse and distribution center facilities in McDonough and Savannah.

“We are excited that Wayfair is continuing to expand their footprint here in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Congratulations to our economic development partners who were involved in this project. I am confident that Wayfair will find much success in Athens-Clarke County.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Manager Sunny Anderson represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with Athens-Clarke County DA, Georgia EMC, and Georgia Power.