CHAPEL HILL – A representative from Dillard’s says that the closure of its location in University Mall will not result in layoffs for current employees.

Spokeswoman Julie Bull says that though the Dillard’s will close at the end of January 2014, the department store is working to find other employment options for its associates.

“The paperwork is worded as such that it does refer to these as layoffs. The fact is we have offered all 33 associates at the Chapel Hill location employment at other Dillard’s locations in the area,” Bull says.

Dillard’s has nearby store locations at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh, the Cary Towne Center and Alamance Crossing in Burlington.

“Eighteen of these associates have requested to go to other stores. Some have chosen to transfer out-of-state. We have worked with all 33 of these associates to place them in other Dillard’s jobs. Some have chosen to retire.”

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 and that negotiations were underway with a non-retail store to replace it.

Currently the clothing store is functioning as a clearance center.

“It occurred to us that going ahead and selling [the location] would be best for that location,” Bull says.

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.