Ames will have more options for clothing soon. Discount retailer TJ Maxx has confirmed that it plans to open a store in the fall. 

“I really don’t know any information at this point other than we plan to open a store in the fall,” said Carrie Garfield, media relations supervisor and real estate spokesperson for TJX companies, the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. 

Garfield said that the company considers an area’s demographics, current retail climate and, generally, “people who value fashion and getting a good deal,” when considering potential locations for new stores. 

TJ Maxx strives to offer current-season, name-brand clothing at discount prices. Since opening its first store in 1977, the company has spread to more than 950 stores nationwide. The store also offers home goods. 

Garfield said specific details would not be officially available until one to two months before the store’s opening. 

There has been speculation that the store would open at North Grand Mall, along with Kohl’s. However, representatives from TJ Maxx and North Grand Mall could not confirm or deny a location. Representatives from Kohl’s were not available for comment. 

“GK Development is seeking commitments from retailers to meet the retail needs of North Grand Mall and the Ames community. Developing a retail project is a long, complex process. During this process, retailers may choose to provide, or not provide, information about new stores based on their marketing plans and time lines,” wrote Marianne Fasano, public relations consultant for GK Development, the parent company of North Grand Mall. Bill Fox, leasing director for North Grand Mall, declined to comment. 

Wherever TJ Maxx plans to locate, the Ames Economic Development Commission hopes it will bring a boost to the local economy.

“There’s a certain level of expectation that people have when they come to Ames for the first time,” said Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Ames Economic Development Commission. “I think people are surprised at the types of things that are not here.”

He said part of the reason for the lack of major retailers in Ames is that land prices are relatively high, but there is still a lot of interest in the area. 

Currently, he said that Ames has a lot of “leakage” with residents choosing to spend their money in other parts of central Iowa, such as Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines. The addition of new retailers could help the situation.

“This is great news for Ames,” Culhane said.