T.J. Maxx, a discount clothing and fashion store, whose representatives announced plans to open in Ames in the fall of 2012, won't open until the spring of 2013, company representatives have said.

Brittany Welch, TJX Companies, public relations supervisor, said all they can say is when the store is opening in an email message.

T.J. Maxx stores offer designer and brand name fashions for up to 60 percent off department store prices, according to the store's website.

The store has never said where in Ames it would locate but the North Grand Mall's developer, GK Development, told Ames City Council that a group of tenants might be interested in opening at the mall site if improvements were made.

The developer has since demolished several vacant buildings, including the former Sears auto center, former Wells Fargo, former Walgreens and former Furman buildings. A for lease sign posted on the mall's exterior closest to the demolition stated to call Bill Fox for leasing information.

The mall project includes building new retail space and making changes to landscaping and traffic flow. The former Sears store would be redeveloped for two tenants, who have not yet been disclosed.

Charlie Kuester, Ames city planner, has said that two larger tenants are interested in the site and that the opening of those stores will encourage others to follow.

Messages to GK Development have not been returned.