Shoppers to the Westgate Shopping Center’s T.J. Maxx location will see a recent remodeling effort to the 26-year-old store.

The Massachusetts-based apparel and home fashion retailer updated the dressing rooms, added new signage, updated fixtures in the home and beauty department and created a more efficient checkout area.

“T.J.Maxx is always looking to make the shopping experience even better for consumers,” said company spokesperson Thea Houghton.

“By the end of this year, approximately 75 T.J.Maxx stores will have been updated, and all new stores will open with the redesigned look.”

The Ann Arbor store opened in 1984 and is one of 33 T.J. Maxx stores in Michigan. Operated by The TJX Companies, T.J. Maxx has more than 900 stores nationwide.

Jim Chaconas

The lease for T.J. Maxx’s 35,000-square-foot location expires in August 2011, but the renovation shows Westgate Shopping Center owner Jim Chaconas that the store’s parent company is investing for the long term.

“It makes me feel good that they are investing because it means they’re staying,” Chaconas said.

“They are a very important client to us. They bring traffic to us. Everyone feeds off them very well.”

The shopping center has been renovating its facilities, too. Chaconas said 90 percent of the facility’s roof and 80 percent of the heating and cooling units have been replaced as well as landscaping added to the grounds.

Earlier this month, The TJX Companies announced June revenue for stores open at least a year rose 3 percent, less than the 4.2 percent analysts expected.

Revenue in stores open at least a year is a key indicator of a retailer’s performance because it excludes results from stores that open or close during the year.

The TJX Companies also operate Marshalls and HomeGoods chains.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Brian Vernellis is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-4617 or brianvernellis@annarbor.com.