NATCHEZ — Affordable Home Furnishings will soon bring a new business and eight jobs to Natchez.

The Lafayette, La.-based rent-to-own company has begun renovation on the former REX TV and Appliance Center at 373 John R. Junkin Drive, across from the Natchez Mall, and plans to open its doors sometime in February, said Rory Strentz, the company’s vice president.

“We hope to be open really soon,” Strentz said. “With construction, it is hard to get an exact date, but we expect to be open next month.

“We will start off with eight employees.”

Strentz said renovations are ongoing inside and outside and exterior painting will begin soon.

Tim Epps, who has been with Affordable Home Furnishings for more than six years, will be the manager.

“I’m looking forward to providing the best in merchandise and service to the residents in Natchez and the surrounding area,” Epps said in a press release.

Company President Chris Overton said in a press release that the Natchez store is the company’s 28th opening, and the second in Mississippi.

“We’ve been planning to expand in Mississippi for quite some time,” Overton said. “We were able to get the location we wanted, and we’re confident we’ll get the support we need to be successful in Natchez.”

The store, which is 15,000 square feet, will have furniture and electronics, which can be purchased at retail value or through a rental purchase plan.

The nearest and other Mississippi-based store is in McComb.