Tuscaloosa Development

[TheCapstone]

T.J. Maxx appears to be headed to new location

A new T.J.Maxx location is coming to Tuscaloosa, although the discount retailer has not announced when the store will open or what will happen to its existing store at McFarland Mall.

The former Office Max store at McFarland Plaza is under renovation and large, red banners bearing the T.J.Maxx logo and the words “coming soon” has been erected in front of the site. But a company representative had little to say about the project.

“Although we appreciate your inquiry, T.J.Maxx has not announced a new store in the Tuscaloosa area,” said Brittany Farrell, public relations supervisor for The TJX Companies Inc., which owns T.J.Maxx. “When opening new stores, we tend to announce our plans when we believe the time is right to do so competitively.

“Generally speaking, it is our practice not to announce store openings until close to an intended opening date.”

The news came as a surprise to local developer Stan Pate, whose company owns McFarland Mall. He learned of the banners posted in McFarland Plaza between Toys “R” Us and Ross Dress for Less when contacted by The Tuscaloosa News.

Pate said he had been in discussions with company officials as recently as three weeks ago. Then, all options — including staying in the McFarland Mall location — remained available.

As of Wednesday, he said he still had heard nothing from TJX Companies Inc. on the future of the store in Tuscaloosa.

“It amazes me people have to mislead people to do business,” Pate said. “But it’s not a big deal. In fact, it further helps us accomplish our goal.”