CHAPEL HILL – Dillard’s in University Mall was scheduled to close by the end of January at the latest, but that plan may be on hold for now.

A sign which stated that the Dillard’s store was closing has been removed from the department store’s door. UMall officials said a press release will be issued this week from Dillard’s with more information about the expected closure date.

A 13-screen luxury movie theater, Silverspot Cinema, will open in the current Dillard’s location in 2015. The announcement was made at the beginning of November after months of speculation that Dillard’s was leaving the shopping center.

A source told WCHL News in September that the department store was leaving UMall and that negotiations were underway with a non-retail store to replace it.

Currently the clothing store is functioning as a clearance center.

As of November, Dillard’s employed 33 sales associates. A rep for Dillard’s said the employees have been offered positions at other stores.

As part of a greater redevelopment plan for University Mall, new leases signed this year include William Travis Fine Jewelers, Fine Feathers, Peacock Alley, TrySports and Kidzu Children’s Museum. Plaza Azteca, a Mexican restaurant, will join the dining options in 2014. The shopping center’s Harris Teeter is undergoing a $9 million renovation.