Boscov's department store is getting ready for its grand opening next month at the Eastwood Mall.

When you walk inside, you instantly notice the store's expansive inventory and the sweet aroma of sugar-covered roasted nuts.

Boscov's will take over 180,000 square feet inside the mall where the former Sear's store was located. The Niles location will be the family-run department store chain's 49th store in the U.S.

"We're a hybrid department store, where you're going to find so many labels that you're familiar with, but you're going to see them at better prices, but you're going to see a much broader range of pricing," Jim Boscov said, CEO of Boscov's.

The clothing departments carry a wide variety of sizes for men, women's petite, misses and plus sizes, and children.

The department store offers furniture, mattresses, bedding, housewares, kitchen appliances, toys, cosmetics, jewelry, and a signature candy store.

"You go to a store, and you'll find an assortment of 5, 6, 7, 8 coffeemakers. You come to Boscov's, and you're going to see 20, 22," Boscov said.

The candy counter offers sugar-covered cashews, almonds, and pecans. The chocolates are sold by the pound or in boxes through a collaboration with Asher's Chocolate Co. out of Pennsylvania.

"We have a candy department where at the candy counter, you can come up and pick out your own assortment of Boscov's chocolates," Boscov said.

Shoppers are invited to walk around while enjoying some sweet treats as they browse the aisles.

Boscov says it's all about creating the complete department store experience of years past. He says customers will quickly notice how many workers they'll have on staff to help them find what they're looking for and check out.

The number of options in each department with different price levels is what Boscov's is focused on.

"You go to a store, and you'll find an assortment of 5, 6, 7, 8 coffeemakers. You come to Boscov's, and you're going to see 20, 22," Boscov said.

The department store has hired almost 200 workers to get the store ready for its grand opening.

The Boscov's three-day grand opening will kick off October 7 with a shop for a cause experience. Shoppers will be asked to make a $5 donation to a participating non-profit at the door.

October 8 is Family Fun Day, where the store will offer free activities and entertainment. The Grand Opening celebration is October 9 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. and a 9 p.m. fireworks show.

Boscov believes Ohio is a good market for the department store chain. He says their St. Clairesville store has performed very well, which is another mall operated by the Cafaro Company. 

"They really understand retailing, they understand merchandising, and you couldn't have asked for a more cooperative and collegial kind of working relationship," he said.