Belk Bulks Up in Cary
Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – Belk is bulking up in Cary. The Charlotte-based retailer has announced a $4.6 million remodeling of its two-level, 167,000-square-foot department store in Cary Towne Center.
A Southern Tradition
Belk, founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., operates 303 stores in 16 Southern states. It is the nation’s largest privately-owned mainline department store chain.
Cary Expansion
Belk says the project will create “a modern new shopping environment in the store” and includes a major expansion of the store’s ladies shoe department as well as a new jewelry area.
Relocations
One aspect of the remodeling is designed to put all the ladies departments on the first floor. Juniors, special sizes and intimate apparel will join ladies sportswear and shoes on the first floor.
The men are moving upstairs with the home and children’s departments.
Tile, Green Lighting, New Restrooms
The store’s first floor is being completely renovated with new tile flooring, carpet, wall treatments, energy-efficient lighting and the new display fixtures.
All restrooms and fitting rooms are also being refurbished. Belk says the second floor men’s, children’s and home areas will also be “re-spaced and refreshed” with new tile flooring, carpet and paint.
Ladies Shoes. Lots of ‘Em.
A highlight of the remodeling will be the expansion of the ladies shoe department, which will more than double in size to over 9,000 square feet of space. Belk says the remodeling will allow the store to greatly increase its selections of the latest brands and styles of ladies shoes.
Committed to Cary
“We’re committed to serving customers and being the department store of choice in the Cary community,” said Peter Mendoza, vice president and regional manager of Belk’s Raleigh Region. “This investment demonstrates our resolve to fulfill our mission to satisfy the Southern lifestyle needs of our customers like no one else and to deliver the fashion they desire and the value they deserve.”
No Fooling Around
Construction will be completed in phases through this fall prior to the store’s grand re-opening on October 12, 2011. The store will remain open throughout the project.
Previous Remodeling Was in 1991
Belk has operated its store at Cary Towne Center since the center opened in 1979, and last remodeled and expanded the store by 37,000 square feet in 1991.
