Marshalls filed sign permits on Friday for a store in the East State Street strip mall.
Lance Allison, interim director of the Office of Code Enforcement and Community Development for the city of Athens, said Marshalls applied for sign permits Friday.
“They haven’t filed for zoning, I’m still waiting on that,” Allison said. “They haven’t applied for state permits either.”
Katie Babb, a marketing specialist for TJX Companies, said Marshalls has not announced a new store in the Athens area.
TJX Companies owns Marshalls, TJ. Maxx, HomeGoods and other retail stores across the U.S., Canada and worldwide.
“When opening new stores, we tend to announce our plans when we believe the time is right to do so competitively,” Babb said in an email. “Generally speaking, it is our practice not to announce store openings until close to an intended opening date.”
Cagnie France, a freshman studying education, is looking forward to the possibility of a Marshalls opening in Athens.
“I’m all for it. Marshalls is affordable,” she said. “Right now, we only have Walmart and online shopping when it comes to clothes.”
Lauren Bangs, a freshman studying visual communication, thinks it will bring opportunities to the area.
“Plus, it will give people a lot to do, especially jobs in the area,” Bangs said. “I’d work there.”
In regards to Babb’s email, Allison said Marshalls is moving forward in a different matter.
“They’re doing things backward,” he said. “Zoning is usually done first before signage.”
