Suffolk residents will soon have their own T.J. Maxx store.

With construction under way, the retailer is set to become a new addition to the Harbour View East shopping center, making it the first discount retail store in North Suffolk. City economic leaders said the continued investment in the area is a good sign.

“These developers are aware of the JFCOM announcement, and I think this speaks volumes to the fact that they are still continuing to invest in the area,” said Kevin Hughes, director of economic development for the city. “It says we’re a good place to do business — specifically retail. Retail businesses look at the number of folks who live in and around the area, and their continuation to build here speaks to the population growth that has happened in the area.”

T.J.Maxx offers brand names and designer fashions for up to 60 percent off department stores prices every day. There are more than 900 stores nationwide. Suffolk’s will be the ninth Hampton Roads store, according to the company’s website.

The store will be located in a 26,000-square foot building at 6253 College Drive, next to OfficeMax. It’s expected to open in the summer of 2011, according to Suffolk spokesperson Debbie George.

The number of jobs it will bring to the area has not yet been confirmed, but George said estimates are between 25 and 35 jobs.

T.J.Maxx isn’t the only store set to open in the area. PetSmart, which will be located in the same shopping center, is slated to open its doors to two- and four-legged customers next year.

The new PetSmart is expected to bring 40 full- and part-time jobs, 10,000 pet products, a full-service grooming salon and training classes.

With the completion of the two retail stores, there will be one remaining large site in the shopping center. Hughes’ department currently is working to attracting a retailer to the site, and he hopes to have an announcement in the next few months, he said.

“I’m pleased to see this development come to fruition,” Hughes said. “Especially during these economic conditions, it’s good to see the area continue to grow.”

The shopping center opened its doors around 10 years ago, when the Walmart was first built.

The second phase of the center began with the construction of the Kohl’s and OfficeMax about two and a half years ago.