Ownings Mills, MD (Map, News) - Owings Mills Mall is expanding — and Best Buy is joining in.

Part of the ongoing growth in both Baltimore County and the region, Best Buy will open its newest location today at Owings Mills Mall. The move will give the electronics and appliance retailer its 21st store in Maryland. The most recent Best Buy to open in Maryland was at the Inner Harbor in November 2005.

“This is definitely part of the Owings Mills [growth],” said Alan Eisgrau, general manager of the new Best Buy. “There is a demand for high-end electronics by consumers in this area.”

The new 45,000-square-foot location will create about 120 full- and part-time jobs. Last year, Best Buy’s total revenue nationally was $35.93 billion.

Historically, Baltimore County has been a prime destination for national retail chains. Nordstrom, Trader Joe’s and Wegmans all opened their first Maryland locations in Baltimore County. Fronda Cohen, the marketing and communications director for Baltimore County Economic Development, said businesses are taking notice of the local retail market.

“Owings Mills is one of Baltimore County’s two designated growth areas, and it’s really fulfilling its promise as a place where people can live, work and have more shopping opportunities,” Cohen said. “We have great demographics and a great market. National retailers see Baltimore County and the region as a great place to do business, and residents benefit from it.”

Best Buy is also expanding in Columbia, where an all-new retail center on Gateway Overlook Drive will open today. The 45,000-square-foot store will employ the same workers from its old location on Snowden River Parkway.

dcarey@baltimoreexaminer.com