Three new stores will fill vacancies at Harundale Mall by spring, and others are expected to open soon after, mall officials said yesterday.

The Glen Burnie mall has signed leases totaling more than 6,000 square feet with Afterthoughts Boutique, which sells jewelry and accessories; Athletic Express, which features athletic apparel and shoes; and The Dollar Tree, whose merchandise sells for $1.

The new stores are well-suited to the value-oriented mall, which is anchored by Value City department store and McCrory's variety store, said Sarah M. Elder, manager of sales and marketing.

"Each one offers the kind of value and savings that fit into our vision," Eldersaid. "They help complete the overall mix."

Afterthoughts and Athletic Express are part of chains owned by Kinney Shoe Corp., and Dollar Tree also is a chain store, Elder said.

The stores will begin construction in March in spaces previously leased by Corner House, County Seat and a store that has relocated within the mall.

Elder said the 30-year-old mall at Ritchie Highway and Aquahart Road is negotiating leases with three other merchants. Those stores also could openby May, bringing the mall's vacancy rate above the current 80 percent, Elder said.