Shop Talk

By Meg

June 4, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

I am very sad to see Parisian go. I think their customer service, merchandise, sales and overall store appearance, was far better than Macys. To me, Macys is a glorified Walmart, and I won’t step foot in them.

I will give Belk a chance. I like to shop in smaller stores, with great customer service.

I am anxious to see the new format and stores.

By Dee

June 5, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I am glad to see this takeover… never cared much for the Parisian stores and wondered what happened to Belks - apparently they are making a comeback to this region. My first job was a cashier at a Belks in Southwest Atlanta, GA.

By Belk?

June 5, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

My 1st job was at Belk in Savannah - as a Clinique counter girl. Wow. I thought they had gone by the wayside, except for in smaller, rural areas. Should be interesting to have them here. I don’t recall them having the best quality of items - I’ll be anxious to see if they carry good lines and designers like Parisian. If not, they will not last at Phipps.

By Joey

June 5, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Grew up shopping at Belk in Covington and loved it. I now work off Mansell, so its nice having an old friend back - have to dust off my Belk card!

By chewy

June 5, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Grew up shopping at Belk in Covington and loved it. I now work off Mansell, so its nice having an old friend back - have to dust off my Belk card!

By chewy

June 5, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Grew up shopping at Belk in Covington and loved it. I now work off Mansell, so it will be nice having an old friend back - Might have to dust off my Belk card!

By Mrs. Warren

June 5, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I hope that it is going to be as nice as the Belk in Charlotte, NC. A proper multi-story department store with large departments. The Belk in Charlotte was nicer than the Neiman Marcus at the same mall.

It will be nice to have a full Belk’s instead of the smaller, one-level stores located around Atlanta that don’t have very much to offer.

By shopper

June 5, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

It’s too bad they’re losing the name. Belk doesn’t have the same style or glamour as Parisian. Hope the lack of class in the name doesn’t reflect the quality of merchandise. No one at any of the stores can tell you anything. That’s not a good sign. The employees should be fully informed to make sure the proper message gets out to their shoppers!

By val

June 5, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

As long as Phipps stays open I’ll be fine. I love Parisian. I like the payment option they give on their credit card customers. I always take the no finance charge option. I like that.

By red

June 5, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

I have always enjoyed the experience of shopping at Belk. It is not as big, and “cookie cutter” as Macy’s, and the service, as well as selection, is always good. I think it will be a great addition to the malls where they will be located.

By d owens

June 5, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

I went to college a half century ago in Columbia, S.C. where Belk was “Queen”. Through the years, the only time I have frequented a Belk store again was when I was out in the “boonies” and needed a wash cloth or blender!!! In contract, Parisian is a much more “current” store, great variety and more attentive people to help you. The store at Phipps is great…and I cannot imagine Belk, with it’s “frompish” fashions being able to measure up to that.

By mel

June 5, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

My last experience with Belk was when dealing with a return - and I haven’t set foot in one since. That lets you know how nice the experience was…and their gift card policy is a joke too. Unless they fix those type of customer service issues, I won’t shop there.

By lynn

June 5, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

which stores willl be closing and when

By MBH

June 5, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

I really like the Parisian at North Point Mall. The kids dept is great and I like the quality of clothes I’ve gotten for me. I’ll miss it as an option.

By Ed

June 5, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Half of my wardrobe is Parisian’s men’s house label, Preswick & Moore. My Parisian card (with the interest-free option) is the only store card I have now; I cut up my Davison’s/Macy’s & Rich’s cards over ten years ago. Parisian’s associates are friendly & helpful without being pushy & their stores are nicely stocked. I’m certainly going to give Belk a chance. They merchandise each store according to its individual market. For instance, their store at South Park Mall, Charlotte’s equivalent to Lenox, is quite upscale, while their store in Monroe, a middle-class suburb of Charlotte, is more moderate. I’ve shopped at several of their stores & been pleased. But be forewarned, Belk! I stopped going to Davison’s/Macy’s & Rich’s because their service PLUMMETED and became a total embarrassment to their namesake founders. If service at Parisian falters, you’ll lose me, too.

By Ellwood

June 5, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Belk always reminded me of an Uptons or something. I am not familiar enough with it yet but will give it a try. I can tell you though that Parisians was first class all the way and I loved their children’s department.

By wary shopper m

June 5, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

While I am sorry to see Parisian go, I will give Belk a chance. Things are not off to a great start, though, as I have had to call customer service more in the past few months when Belk has been in control than ever before. Agree with another commenter that “Belk” has no where near the panache of “Parisian.” Parisian is truly unique among dept. stores: clean stores with well-spaced, current and fashionable merchandise, and competent, pleasant employees, as well as great value for the money, especially at clearance time. Already have heard from those employees that some of their autonomy is being eroded. Bright side is that I could potentially save a lot of money if I end up hating Belk.

By Ghosthunterdan

June 5, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

I am a long time Belk customer. Unlike Macys or other stores they offer a 30/60/90 interest free paymnet with their Belk Card as an option, instead of no choice like Macys with a 22% interest plan You also get points. I enjoyed shopping at Parisian, they were freindly and professional. With this new age we are in; we are fast approaching “A NO COMPETE”, no choice in where we do business, they are all becoming the same name. Belk always has great sales and the new prototype stores are upscale and elegant. I think they will do a fine job.

By JD

June 5, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I can tell you right now, Belk at Phipps won’t last long! Belk is on the same level as JCPenney and Sears. Could you imagine a JCPenney at Phipps?!? That’s the quality of goods and shoppers Belk has.

By Prefers Parisians

June 5, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to a few Belk stores (Hiram and Cartersville) and like “Shopper” says…the style is lacking. I love the Parisians at Phipps though..hope the style doesn’t change to “country”

By Cynthia

June 5, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

I AM BROKEN HEARTED!! once again retailers do not have their hand on the pulse of the customer-I have loved Parisian and Nordstrom for years and DO NOT shop anywhere else-good luck convincing me that I would want to tell someone that my outfit came from Belks…take the comments in this blog seriously-we are all saying the same thing-I too dumped Macy’s when they did such a poor job of taking away not only the Rich’s name, but service as well. Do not forget that we will go internet in a heartbeat if needed! and I for one will take my money where the service and style is.

By aeiger from Atlanta GA.

June 5, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I am sad that Parisian will be gone. My first experience with Parisian was that of an upscale store. I have been to a Belks but it has left me with no impression whatsoever. I usually shop at Dillards and Parisian. I have stopped shopping several years ago at Macys. I’m a transplant but have been here many years, and also miss Richs. We seem to be going into a downhill slide with Dept. stores.

By TERRI

June 5, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I GREW UP WITH BELK IN NC. TOO BAD THAT THEY HAVE BOUGHT OUT PARISIAN. IF THEY PERSIST IN KEEPING AS MUCH STOCK IN THEIR WALKWAYS AS IN THE FLOOR DEPTS, I WILL BE FORCED TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT FOR VIOLATIONS! SERIOUSLY, I HOPE THEY CONSIDER THE UPSCALE MARKET THAT THEY ARE OVERTAKING AND MAINTAIN THOSE STANDARDS. PERSONALLY, I ALREADY FEEL AND SEE THE DIFFERENCES AND AM NOT PLEASED. PARISIANS WAS MY FAVORITE STORE FOR THE PAST 17 YEARS IN ATLANTA

By Rachel

June 5, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

I worked at Belk for many years - in stores and the buying office. I cannot see Belk at Phipps - even with the same concepts as the SouthPark (flagship) store in Charlotte. They need to go way above and beyond. I personally would love to see the old department store, what I have fond memories of: specialty stops within the large store and dining. Make Belk an upscale “shopping experience” and it will work. I don’t see Belk surviving the Atlanta market unless it sets itself apart. The Belk at Mall of Georgia has not impressed me.

By ILL-logical

June 5, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Simon has sold Atlanta out for pennies-they could have bought out the lease-see B’ham-but they now will see. The next sound they will hear will be the breaking of the leases of the Armani’s et al who were promised a first class enviornment, not a suburban mall.

Hello Midtown Mile-Simon’s Buckhead is so suburban 60’s.

PS don’t believe what you read in the Awful Business Chronicle-Buckhead Avenues is searching hard but is not finding receptivity from the “Beverly Hills” type retaiers.

By Rachel

June 5, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately Parisian hasn’t been “Parisan” in several years. They were bought out a couple of years ago and things haven’t been quite the same since. I remember when Parisian was a Birmingham, Al local store.

By Steve

June 5, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

I hope that Belk management is reading this… to trash a healthy brand like Parisian in favor of a not so well-known or liked brand like Belk’s makes no sense. It is as dumb as AT&T trashing the Cingular brand. That said, I hope that down lower the quality of merchandise or service level. If they do, simply put, I won’t shop there - as I suspect most loyal shopper won’t. Belk at Phipps? What’s the world coming to?

By Swangirl

June 5, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

The Belk store at the Forum is really nice. I’ve found some good things there. I mostly go there to buy bridal shower gifts.

I’ve never cared for Parisian since they seem incredibly overpriced for what they sell. But I did stop in and bought a rug at the Northlake location at a bargain price.

By Noelle

June 5, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

I am having a hard time grasping the concept of Belk’s buying out Parisian. I have shopped at Belk’s for Docker’s but other than that I am not crazy about their store. Belk’s reminds me too much of an Upton’s, Kohl’s etc. That’s not to say that those are not nice stores but they don’t compare. That’s like comparing apples to lemons instead of apples to apples. They just aren’t comparable. I hope it works so we don’t have yet another empty department store space in the malls.

By Rachel

June 5, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Belk has been in GA for a long time(mostly rural markets). They had a buying office in Gwinnett and another I believe in the Milledgeville area.

Belk got it’s start in many rural southern communities, with the Belk brothers joining forces with a “local” family, and built there business that way. They used to set themselves apart because the merchadise was bought for that specific city or county. Until the late 90’s there were, to the best of my memory, over 100 small “corporations” within the Belk organization. Needless to say, it was an accounting nightmare for the corporate headquarters in Charlotte.

Belk streamlined its buying practices, distribution, and systems and became one company. They are the largest privately owned department store in the US. It really is a great success strory. You cannot travel in NC without finding a building on a college campus or community arts that does not have the Belk name on it. They have deep roots in every town.

I would love to see Belk make it in this market. They have alot of hard work ahead of them - I wish them the best!

By Georgia

June 5, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

I sure hate to see Parisian’s go. Belk is not in the same category with Parisian’s. I hope the buyers will stock stock quality merchandise.

By Tom

June 6, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

Belk is a glorified strip mall store such as Uptons or Stein Mart. Parisian had the best mens shoe department and Polo shop. Columbus had the first Parisian in Georgia and Belk closed it. Shame on you Belk!

By B eth

June 6, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a Parisian customer for my entire life! I started shopping Parisian at Five Points West in Bham in the mid 70’s; my brand loyalty has since greatly increased. I’m very sad to see this brand go by the wayside to please stockholders. Obviously Belk hasn’t studied the market in order to save money. What a shame.

By urban guru

June 6, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

You can put lipstick on a pig but… .

By JustAskin'

June 6, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Belk’s merchanidise quality is low. Yes, they do carry some brands, but not all. I enjoyed Parisian’s when it first came to Atlanta. It too went down hill. The Belk’s store is no different than what you find at Kohl’s and JcPenny’s but with higher name brands sprinkled far and few between. Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ll stick with Dillards and Nordstroms.

By Lynda

June 6, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

I am sorry to hear that Parisian is closing. It was an upscale store like the others at Phipps. Unless Belks make major changes, it’s difficult for me to imagine them competing with the other stores at Phipps. They are on a totally diffferent level. The current Belks are the same as JC Penneys and Sears. I will give them a chance and hope for the best.

By Marc

June 6, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

I’m from Columbia, SC and have been in the Parisian at Phipps and wasn’t impressed. To me it was on par to our Parisian and Belk at Columbiana Centre. Belk should do just fine if it stocks its Phipps store with the high end, over-priced material goods that yuppies kill for.

By Shannon

June 6, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

I think putting Belk’s in an upscale location like Phipps Plaza will help it in style and visibility tremendously. In the past I’ve always thought of Belks has more of a small town department, but by putting it in the Parisian’s space at Phipps and (I believe … I did hear this at one time) the old Lord & Taylor space at North Point I think this will help to bring Belk’s into more urban areas and into the 21st century.

By Sarah

June 6, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I think Belk’s will make the store fit in the area where they are. I remember when Bloomingdale’s (and I realize Belk’s isn’t Bloomingdale’s) opened here … they said that they customize each store to what market it is located in and what sells in one market may not sell well in another and so with that in mind they had lines in the Lenox store that they may not have in the Perimeter store or in other stores around the country and vice versa. I think this is probably true of any department stores and I think Belk’s will change up their lines to put more upscale clothing lines, etc …in their Phipps and North Point stores than they have in their suburban and small town stores.

By Steve

June 6, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

The name on the outside is not nearly as important as the atmosphere on the inside. Over the last few years I have abandoned Davidson’s, Rich’s, Macy’s or whatever you want to call it not because of the name change or a lack of merchasdise but because the sales associates have evolved from apparent lack of care to downright rude and impudent. Parisian from the day of opening obviously worked with their staff to convey a pride in their work and an understanding of marketing. If Belk’s continues this tradition I don’t care what they call themselves I will shop there.

By MD

June 6, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Last time I was there the Belk in Charlotte was pretty upscale with multi floors, high end brand names, a full cafe and quality packaged food. They can compete with the best of them. As I recall they pushed their brand out to the rural areas in the ’80s, I guess to capture a broader audience. Belk seems to be a level headed company, as far as what it sells. The thing is with these department stores, esp. the one’s Phipps and the like is that they are just overpriced merchants. Sears and Parisian have identical clothing as far as quality, Sears may have the edge. Parisian blows away Sears as far as designer brands and the inflated prices related to those brands. Creating the illusion of granduer with a mark-up sticker. Recently I saw a Tommy H. wallet, a very pedestrian low quality cow hide wallet, selling for $130. Go figure.

By Phaedra

June 6, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Dekalb County should not expect the same type of Belk experience as what they will have in Phipps. I’ve seen it too many times to count, but ALL department stores cater their selections to their communities. I have been to Parisian’s in at the Mall of Georgia and it’s totally more upscale than the Parisian’s Stonecrest. So, I see the Belk’s being the same way. The Phipps Belk’s will carry a better, upscale selection than that at Stonecrest. Stonecrest Mall is a cheap mall compared to shopping on the northside of Atlanta.

By AA

June 6, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I have enjoyed shopping at the Parisian stores and have shopped there regularly. Being from the Atlanta area all my life I have not shopped at a Belks. I will give it a chance as long as their merchandise is at least the quality of Parisian’s and that they carry the high end name brands that Parisian carried. The jury is out for now.

By EPass

June 6, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

My husband and I lived in Charlotte several years ago, and because Belk’s is headquartered in NC, those stores are fabulous!! I was just back in Charlotte visiting in March, and was able to stop by one of the Belk’s stores and was so sad that we don’t have that quality and selection here. You can’t imagine how thrilled I was to hear that we’re getting them in Atlanta! Most people here in GA only know Belk’s as a small town store……….just wait, because they really have so much to offer.

By Brook

June 6, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

I am extremely disappointed that Parisian’s is closing. I loved their Phipps and Stonecrest stores. I am also disappointed that Belk decided to abandon the Stonecrest mall. This is a very popular mall with great returns. The few times I have shopped at Belk at the Forum in Norcross I felt like I was in a old lady’s store and I am 41! Lots of prints, flowers and elastic waist lines. No thank you!

By mp

June 6, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

At Phipps Belks is going to be WAY OUT OF PLACE. I wish Saks or Nordstrom had some kind of clause written into their contract with the property management to block new anchor stores if they see fit. I’m sure they would have thrown a big body block on Belks at this location. Now this is not a PC thing to say in this day and age and forgive me for being the one to give it voice, but this is real life people—I doubt very seriously that the Belks shopper will cruise down the mall to buy a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or a Gucci bag. And just imagine the new mix of people at the Tavern, Grape and Twist. Because believe me all three of them are wondering how this will shake out. This should all be very interesting. And again, I know saying this out loud is elitist and beyond wrong …but hey, you know we’re all thinking it.

By Ugh!

June 6, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

I grew up in S.C. and Belk was the main store in town. Unless they have changed their game, don’t expect good sales and quality merchandise. Belk is very generic and a notch below Macys. You won’t be having a Bloomies or Nordstrom experience. Fashions are pretty homely and no such thing as a one day sale. They keep their price original until the very end of the season and then have decent prices, but who wants summer stuff in September? The only Belk that is decent is the one at Southpark Mall, Charlotte, NC. Hopefully, the Phipps store will be like the one at Southpark. Parisian was lacking for a while and will be glad to see them replaced. Only wished it was Bloomies at Northpoint.

By KW

June 6, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Sounds like a winner for everyone but Dekalb County residents. Two of our malls will now have vacant department stores, which I find to be an eyesore. In addition, I will still have to travel to Conyers or Snellville. Thanks.

By rundur

June 6, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Belk? You gotta be kidding me. I agree with JD, Belk is along the lines of JCPenny and Sears. Any town with a traffic light can get a Belk or one of their many hyphenated derivaties: Belk-Leggett, Hudson-Belk, etc.

This is a huge BLOW to the Phipps Plaza image. I’ll never take a visitor there again.

“Just to your left you have Gucci, Versace, …Belk” ????

By Melissa

June 6, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Belk will never last in the city… they have low quality items and I cannot wait for “Midnight Madness” with the hand written signs to show up at Phipps. This will be funny.

By randur

June 6, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Ugh!, thanks. “Homely” is the perfect description. LOL

By Anonymous

June 6, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

As someone who works at the Belk’s at the Forum, take it from me … not all Belk’s are the same and some of the store’s are much more upscale than others … just like any other department stores. I’ve been to several Belk’s stores in NC including Charlotte and they are far and away much more upscale than our small town stores and I feel absolutely certain that the Phipps and North Point stores will be the same as those that you see in Charlotte. Belk’s is like any other department store in that we customize lines to the particular market that each store is in and when we go into more upscale markets our various lines are going to fit that market.

By Ann Marie

June 6, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I will miss Parisian. The store carried wonderful everyday dresses for my daughters. And the July 4th Ralph Lauren sales were great!

By SLM

June 6, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Reading through some of the responses I’m glad there are people out there who realize not all locations of all department stores are all the same and that they are customized to their market are willing to give Belk’s a chance. Of course then I read some of the other responses and can see quite clearly just how snobby some people can be.

By mary

June 6, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

I am so disappointed to see Parisian’s leave the Mall at Stonecrest. I shopped there before I even set foot in Macy’s, Dillard’s or Sears. I am not a Belk’s shopper, their style tends to lean toward the older woman.

By Lisa

June 6, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Most of you have obviously not been to one of the nicer Belks like the ones in NC. They are fabulous and I am sure that they are smart enough to make the one at Phipps extremely nice. The stores in smaller rural areas cater to the people that live there that are not as sophisticated, etc. The Belk at Phipps will be as nice or nicer than the one in Charlotte, I am sure. It is much better than the Parisian that is there now.

By Shopper Girl

June 6, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

I shop at Phipps all the time and I just can’t imagine a Belk’s at Phipps. I think that is insane. How is Belk’s even in the same league as Saks, Tiffany’s and Gucci??

By Lois

June 6, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

If you want to see an example of a very nice Belks, go to the one at the Mall of Georgia in Gwinnett. It’s WAY better than the smaller Belks that you see in small towns.

By KLLH

June 6, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Oh god I’m gonna miss the discount shoe room in Parisian! They have the best shoe selection next to Nordstrom!

I always thought of Belk as a half-step up from JC Penney or Sears. I’ve only been to stores that are located in smaller cities and therefore the selection was horrible and certainly not fashionable.

I’m be very interested in knowing what will be the scope of the selection at Phipps.

By mad in atlanta

June 6, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

I seriously doubt that Belk will carry Betsey Johnson or something to that nature. I’m willing to bet anyone on here that they won’t. I’ve been to Charlotte and other stores in larger cities and trust me, its still not comparable to anything a Phipp’s guest is expecting. Hell they could have kept Lord & Taylor!

By not so happy in Atlanta

June 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

I have shopped at both but Parisan’s has always been my store. High end, nice clothes, excellent service, and friendly staff. haven’t felt that way in a belk’s too often. Love parisan’s shoe dept. and that they carry Brighton. I will miss that truly!!!! I will keep my mind open but I doubt they will measure up to the quality of parisan’s.

By Martha

June 7, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I am very sad to see Parisians go. When Rich’s closed I was sad and became a constant shopper at Parisians. Macy’s has never come close to Rich’s or Parisians. Belks will not carry the quality that Parisians always has.

By atlcorporateguy

June 8, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Perception is everything. I truly believe the market perceives Belk as low quality and catering to suburban households. Cheap yet durable goods for the growing children. Without an image upgrade it will be a hard sale in Phipps as an anchor.

By atlcorporateguy

June 8, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Perception is everything. I truly believe the market perceives Belk as low quality and catering to suburban households. Cheap yet durable goods for the growing children. Without an image upgrade it will be a hard sale in Phipps as an anchor.

By it won't last in phipps

June 8, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

no way belk will last in phipps, it wouldn’t last in lenox either. i agree the mall of ga and forum belk stores are better than average, but a 3 rack section of nicer designer and trendy items is not going to be enough. i can’t imagine it. i have a friend in columbus and she is SICK over it. we grew up with a belk and unless it is your only option in town, you usually can’t find much there in the way of good designer brands.

By Sister Sophy

June 8, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

I have loved Parisian ever since I visited my first one in Birmingham (long before they came to Atlanta). They had great salespeople, good quality house brands, an unmatched childrens department, and a nice selection of upscale fashions for women.

I remember Belks from small towns when I was growing up: frumpy, frumpy, frumpy! They will never take Parisian’s place. How disappointing for Atlanta shoppers!

By Marlene

June 8, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I really enjoy shopping at Parisian and found that women’s brands of clothing were very good and the customer service was great. I hope that the Belk merchandise/apparel buyers will buy more upscale clothing for the new Belk at Phipps so it will be more competitive with other dept. stores in that mall. I have never shopped at Belk in Atlanta because they are all located OUTSIDE of I-285 and I live in town. I have frequently shopped at the new Belk in Avenues at Viera (Melbourne, FL) which is a pretty good store with great customer service.

By Peachie

June 8, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

The Belk in West Cobb is a miserable place to shop. It is so crowded. They provide shopping carts — I put my toddler into the cart and tried to shop. The racks are too close, there are weird displays blocking “aisles” and there is absolutely no room to browse the merchandise. This Belk is across the street from The Avenues West Cobb, which is filled with nice stores. Other than running in to the cosmetics counter, I’m finished with Belk.

By Kathryn Lichiello

June 9, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

I lived in NC for many years and I really like Belk stores. I don’t think Parisian shoppers will be disappointed shopping at Belk. Belk has great sales and a very good return policy and I always found their customer service to be excellent! They are a welcome addition to this area.

By tmjm3714

June 9, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I don’t think that Belk will survive more than 10 seconds in Phipps or Northpoint. Essentally what Belk would have to do in order to compete at either mall is order a completely different set of merchandise for only two stores. There is not anything that Belk currently carries that would be remotly appealing to the Phipps/Northpoint customer, and the high-end stuff wouldn’t fly at any of their other stores. That coupled with the image the Belk brand already has will kill just about any chance this has at working.

By Shopper Girl

June 9, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Belk has a website where you can email them to find out what brands they will have at different locations. http://www.belkandparisian.com/store.html

By patti

June 9, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

belk….one word to describe their stores: tacky.

I am sorry to see Parisian’s go, they bring a little class to every mall they have stores. Northlake and Stone Crest are losing an important tenant. I wonder why the decision was made to close the stores on the south end of town?

By frenchy

June 9, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Belks is like KMart and Walmart. Parisian is/was like Neiman Marcus. Belks does not sell high end clothing, and their customer service is on par with Sears. We have really lost a treasure with the sale of Parisian. With the demise of Richs, there are few places left to buy high quality clothing.

By scott

June 9, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

I moved from ATL to Charlotte 40 years ago for a few years Belk’s is an outstanding store and they are a great civic minded family, with John Belk (deceased) being Mayor if Charlotte. Class act

By Shelleygirl

June 9, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

I almost cried when I heard Parisian was closing. I grew up with Belks in south GA and we think of it as Walmart with carpet. They start out nice and then they end up with labels that you only see at Goodwill. They use a Walmart style of displaying merchandise. There is enough merchandise in one store to stock three. Even the nicer stores in malls like Macon think Liz Claiborne is high end clothing. I can NOT believe Phipps will allow them in. The only customer service Belks now offers is the cash register corral like Sears. Hate it, hate it, hate it. Big mistake to close Parisian. Guess my Parisian card will go in the drawer with my Rich’s. Reminds me when Atlanta had good shopping.

By Tres

June 9, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

http://www.belkandparisian.com/images/pdf/Phipps.pdf

So, this should clear up the issue of how “nice” the Belk @ Phipps will be. I’m pretty sure that judging by the listing, the only change that will occur at the Phipps store is the name.

By out of date, out of style

June 9, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Belk came up with its in-house “Red Camel” line in the 1980s, to compete with the Limited’s “Outback Red” line. That’s apparently the last time Belk had an original idea. Note how the family’s still running the show = no outside energy or expertise or creativity, just a dreary, stale business model that hasn’t changed in decades. The clothes seem designed for Mrs. Roper on 3’s Company and the merchandising is terrible. Racks are cram-packed with their shoddy merchandise and stuffed so close together you can barely move. They’re not cheap enough to compete with Kohl’s and not upscale enough to attract sophisticated shoppers. I’d be surprised if they survive another 5 years.

By terry Farkas

June 10, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Belk is a great store. There store at SoutPark in Charlotte is as good as any Parisian here. People think because a department store has a Eurpoean sounding name they most be different. Guess what Parisian is a Birmingham store or was. Belk is as good as any Macys also.

By Mary Kate

June 10, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

This is one more reason why mid-tier department stores are losing market share. Parisian has a great brand franchise and loyal following among urban, upscale shoppers. I have shopped there almost exclusively for more than a decade and love the mix of high-end brands with excellent private label brands that are affordable. Belk is a completely different brand that appeals to a completely different shopper. The Belk brothers’ strategy is clearly to broaden the appeal of Belks by appealing to the Parisian shopper. Bad Calculation. They would do better to develop two brands for two different markets. I cannot imagine why the management of Phipps is allowing this change. Perhaps after a few months when they wander into Belks and can’t reach the back of the store because of all the junky merchandise in the aisles, Phipps will begin thinking about another tenant for this anchor store. My comments stem from growing up in the South and sampling Belks stores on and off for more than 40 years. Now, when I go to Phipps I will have a choice of Belk or Nordstrom — No Brainer. It is sad that the Parisian brand has to die for these guys to learn a lesson.

By Mary Kate

June 10, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

This is one more reason why mid-tier department stores are losing market share. Parisian has a great brand franchise and loyal following among urban, upscale shoppers. I have shopped there almost exclusively for more than a decade and love the mix of high-end brands with excellent private label brands that are affordable. Belk is a completely different brand that appeals to a completely different shopper. The Belk brothers’ strategy is clearly to broaden the appeal of Belks by appealing to the Parisian shopper. Bad Calculation. They would do better to develop two brands for two different markets. I cannot imagine why the management of Phipps is allowing this change. Perhaps after a few months when they wander into Belks and can’t reach the back of the store because of all the junky merchandise in the aisles, Phipps will begin thinking about another tenant for this anchor store. My comments stem from growing up in the South and sampling Belks stores on and off for more than 40 years. Now, when I go to Phipps I will have a choice of Belk or Nordstrom — No Brainer. It is sad that the Parisian brand has to die for these guys to learn a lesson.

By MH

June 10, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Belk is as middle-of-the-road as you can get. Boring and un-adventurous. Enjoy!

By Laura

June 10, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Belk!?!?! Belt @ Phipps?!?!?!?

One word = YUCK!!

By Alex

June 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

It’s embarrassing….. High end = Tiffany’s Sak’s, Gucci, Versace, oh and then we have Belk…..Definitely NOT high-end….

Kind of like wearing a Versace suit with a Wal-Mart tie…

Eeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww!

By Mistake

June 10, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Did someone say s/he went to a Belk that had shopping carts? LOL. A mess.

By Angie

June 10, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Love it, Love it, Love it! Never shopped Parisian but alwalys went to Conyers to shop BELK.

By Matt

June 10, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Having been in management for both Belk and Parisian, I have no reason to believe that Belk won’t do a great job in Atlanta.

Parisian was (read: was) a fantastic chain while under the Hess family’s ownership. Once Brad Martin at Proffitt’s (later Saks) took over, the stores suffered - big time. He basically made Parisian another Proffitt’s or McRae’s. Take a peek at the Parisian in Knoxville or Columbia - they’re basically glorified Macy’s. Parisian has had a plethora of store closings and ill-advised openings - Stonecrest and the Florida Mall come to mind. Atlanta, Birmingham, and Detroit were the only markets where Parisian was actually doing well.

Belk does tailor their stores for the local markets. The SouthPark store is incredible. I live in Charlottesville, VA, now, and our Belk store actually carries Kate Spade, Donald J. Pliner, 7 for All Mankind, and Lilly Pulitzer. Mark my words - Belk will pleasantly surprise you.

There’s a reason that Belk is thriving and Parisian faltered, folks. I started working at Parisian when I was in college, and it was a fantastic place until it began its decline under Saks ownership.

By Rachel

June 10, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Ditto, Matt … Glad to hear other former Belk employees stick up for such a stong, wonderful company.

I have read ALL the posts - and I must say I am not suprised to hear some of the negative comments regarding Belk. Belk is famously known for it’s small town presence. Most, if none, have ever set foot in the Belk flagship store at SouthPark.

ALL department stores have suffered over the past 10-20 years. Did most of you know that most department stores are now owned by ONLY 1 or 2 CORPORATIONS - these are not individual stores. BELK is the largest privately owned department store in the US. They are one of the OLDEST - over 100 years old. They have never been in financial trouble. Obviously the Belk family has done something right - as they continue to grow in an economy where other stores are failing. There are challenges ahead for Belk - especially with the Phipps location - but this IS a well established company that can do it!

I am also very disappointed to hear such fake, snotty attitudes from many of the bloggers. Many are obviously misrepresenting themselves as upscale shoppers. Clearly most with money are not are not the type that would blog, anyway! Shame on you for pretending to be something you are not!

Good luck - BELK!

By Ellen

June 10, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

As a native Charlottean, I am a BIG Belk’s fan. Every time I return to North Carolina, I make it a point to shop at their AMAZING high-end flagship store. I am so glad they are coming to Atlanta in a very big way. And unlike their other upscale competitors they have frequent SALES. HOORAY!

By nan

June 10, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Belk…..a place where Paris Hilton wana be’s won’t shop for expensive, slutty clothes. That leaves 99.9 % of the population.

By Rebecca

June 11, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately the merchandise in the Belks here is very cheap. Parisian was the only store in Cobb County to go to to find higher quality merchandise. Why does every thing have to be a discount store in Atlanta? The Belk store in Niceville Florida has very different merchandise—more upscale. We need stores in Atlanta that have nicer merchandise than the discount stores, but not as high priced as Bloomingdale’s.

By Van

June 11, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Belk closed our Parisian store here in Columbus almost 6 months ago after we thought they would re-open as Belk. Didn’t happen and we now have an eye sore in our Peachtree Mall. We’re very disappointed that Parisian is gone and just as disappointed that Belk made a decision to side step Columbus. I asked several of the old Parisian employees as to why Belk made that decision and was told that the Belk family is very close to the Dillard family and since we do have a Dillard’s store, that Belk had promised not to open here and compete with them. Sounds somewhat stupid to me though as we have Macy’s and J.C. Penny also as big box stores with a population of a tad over 200,000 and the fasted growing city in the South East. We would still like to see Belk re-visit their decision and reopen the now empty former Parisian space.

By Rebecca

June 11, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

I ordered some China at Belk and they messed up my order. I had to return the item & reorder— a delay of another month, so I got my china in March instead of the end of January. That’s the last time I’ll trust my order to Belk. From now on it’s Macy’s. At least they seem to know what they are doing. If Belk is so good, why can’t they stock better quality merchandise and have employees who know what they are doing?

By Becky

June 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Haven’t been in a Belk store in years. I’m not a big fan of Parisian’s though. Lack of customer service at the Arbor Place Mall store is what keeps me out of there. So if they replace it with Belks, I will be very happy based on what I remember of Belks.

By I miss Rich's

June 11, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

I miss the old Rich’s and Davison’s stores downtown. Shopping is simply not the same since those grand dames closed their doors. Shopping in the mall is just not the same experience. Thanks alot Federated. I never like Parisians. I never have like Belk’s either. No biggie to me, what I can’t wait to see is country come to town at Phipps. What are the stuffy, snobby, ‘I’m better than you’ folks in Buckhead going to do?

By Belkie Bear

June 11, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Having worked at Belk in a small town, the corp culture is horrible. They have impossible per hour sales quotas and pay horribly. You’d think with all of the savings, they could afford to purchase better clothing to sell.

I was released due to low sales. Why? I worked in Men’s clothing, right after xmas (think returns), 5 year old fashions, and returns went against your numbers no matter which salesperson sold the items. I was Belkie Bear for like 2 months before and made double what the sales force made—ask your bosses because you are getting gipped!!!!!!! After xmas was over, I was switched to Men’s. After two months they told me they were letting me go so that I could find something to my ability and they would give me two weeks. I called them two days into the two weeks and quit. The head boss told me “this will go your your perm record and will have drastic effects on all of your future jobs to come”!!!! Ha, what a joke… Belk $ucks. Oh, and one more thing: It’s BELK and not BELKS

By j.t.

June 11, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I shopped at Parisian only a couple of times about fifteen years ago. At the time they had a policy of “no sales” - only full price. Well, that told me something. Sure the merchandise was top notch, but so were the prices.

Belk…well, we had a Belk in my little college town. It was a “department store” of the convenience store variety. Very limited merchandise, but still there it was.

The short of it….I really don’t care. I shop online mostly now. For clothes…well I wait for the sales and invest my money rather than blow it on expensive stuff that goes out of style by the next season.

By Mike

June 11, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I’ve been to Belk at NorthPark in Charlotte, and I think it can work at Phipps. I never felt any attachment to Parisian, and it wasn’t an Atlanta store to begin with, so I can’t say I’m sad to see it go. I wish they had kept Parisian, Proffit’s, and McRae’s names on stores where they were founded and the brand equity is strongest.

It may be a bit hypocritical of me to be eager for Belk to open, because I refuse to shop at Macy’s because of what they did to Rich’s and to Marshall Field’s.

By amy

June 11, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

i have lots of belk’s memories from when it was in fayetteville, and they are not pleasant. the first word that came to my mind when i thought of how i would describe the experience was “icky”.

By Clay

June 11, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Parisian merchandise has been a staple in my closet since 1987 when I shopped the store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I always thought I was getting the best value and looked forward to Bargain Days in the spring in the fall. Belk taking over Parisian and dropping the name is a big disappointment for me personally. The Parisian name meant a lot to me and I will try to enjoy it for its final days.

By Susan

June 11, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

I have shopped (limited) at Belk at The Forum - an upscale version of the normal Belk store. The Parisian store at Northlake started out great; however, lately their merchandise was scaled down in style and availability. Haven’t shopped at either store lately. Time will tell if the changes work.

By Bobby

June 11, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Just what Atlanta needs another frumpy, trashy low-rent department store. First Lord & Taylor and now Parisian. As if fashion taste in Atlanta wasn’t bad enough, now we’ve got to deal with Belks.

By rbiv

June 11, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

I NOTED THE SHOPPER DISAPPOINTED WITH BELK ON THEIR CHINA PURCHASE. I RECENTLY WENT TO A BELK STORE WITH AN ON A SALE ITEM -OUT OF STOCK NO PROBLEM WOULD CALL ME AT AT HOME WHEN THE STORE RECEVIED THE ITEM-NEVER HAPPEN FROM BELK NO PHONE CALL !!!!

SAME STORY FROM PARISIAN - THEY SHIPPED FREIGHT FREE TO MY HOME AND REDUCED PRICE OF PRODUCT.

NO MORE BELK FOR ME !!!!!

By rbiv

June 11, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

COMMENT FROM A BLOGER

“As a native Charlottean, I am a BIG Belk’s fan. Every time I return to North Carolina, I make it a point to shop at their AMAZING high-end flagship store. I am so glad they are coming to Atlanta in a very big”

RICH’S WAS THE FLAGSHIP STORE OF ATLANTA- BELK WILL NEVER MAKE IT.

RICH’S DID MORE SALES IN THERE BASEMENT THAN DAVISONS {MACEYS}DID IN THE ENTIRE STORE.

NOW WE HAVE A BELK BASEMENT COMMING TO TO THE SOUTH.

By Belk? No thanks.

June 13, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a devoted Parisian shopper for years thanks to their stylish merchandise, wonderful customer service, and well-edited stock. I have no similarly warm memories of my prior shopping experiences at Belk: dated clothing, sullen employees, and dangerously crowded aisles mark all of my experiences with that company. Even the website - which is allegedly heralding the new classy Belk - looks tired and cheap.

By David

June 14, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I am upset to see PARISIA*N go. I travel to Atlanta often on business and always spend alot at Parisian. I am specifically going to Atlanta next week just to shop one last time at this great store. Belk will no be the same. You would think that The Marshall Fields Debacle would educate the Belk Senior Leadership as to how this is going to go. They should keep the Parisian name, they would stand to do alot more business.

By Susan

June 15, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

A warning about what Belk is doing with their “going out of business” sale at the NorthPoint Parisian. This week I bought 2 watches at the NorthPoint store. They were on a counter display priced at $40, then take 30% off. I bought one, paying $28. Then I went back a couple of days later and paid $28 for a second watch. Then yesterday, I go in to the Phipps Plaza parisian and there are the SAME watches on the counter with a $14.99 sign on them! I mentioned it to some of the sales associates whose mouths dropped open, telling me that those watches are NEVER more than $14.99, 365 days of the year! So, I bought a third watch at Phipps, a duplicate of one of the first ones I purchased, took it home, and compared the sku numbers on the receipts. An exact match! Yesterday’s receipt also states “$40.00, permanent markdown $19.99” and under that is says “$19.99 less 25%” which is $14.99! I am going to see the customer service people today at NorthPoint Parisian and give them a chance to refund the difference (I can return the 3rd watch to Phipps), and if I don’t get the right answer I will fax all this to the Gov’s office of consumer affairs and to Clark Howard. I will keep you posted!

By Kristin

June 16, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I’M VERY SAD TO SEE PARISIAN’S GO; I’M FROM BIRMINGHAM AND I’M STOCKING UP ON MY FAVORITE PARISIAN’S BRANDS BEFORE THEY START CONVERTING OR WHAT EVER THEY PLAN TO DO. PARISIAN’S HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCH A CLASSEY LOOKING STORE AND FROM WHAT I’VE SEEN OF BELK’S IN THE FORMAL PROFFITT’S STORES IS VERY DISAPPOINTING, INFACT THEY HAVE ALMOST GONE BACKWARDS WITH THE CHEAP LOOKING MERCHANDISING; THEY HAVE DONE AWAY WITH MANY NICE LINES IN BETTERSPORTS WEAR THAT PARISIAN’S AND PROFFITT’S HAD, NOT TO MENTION NO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ALL. AND SOME OF THE FREE-STANDING STORES THEY’VE BUILT LOOKS JUST LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN GOODY’S AND KOHLS. TERRIBLE ! I WON’T SHOP THERE!

By Kristin

June 16, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I’M VERY SAD TO SEE PARISIAN’S GO; I’M FROM BIRMINGHAM AND I’M STOCKING UP ON MY FAVORITE PARISIAN’S BRANDS BEFORE THEY START CONVERTING OR WHAT EVER THEY PLAN TO DO. PARISIAN’S HAS ALWAYS BEEN SUCH A CLASSEY LOOKING STORE AND FROM WHAT I’VE SEEN OF BELK’S IN THE FORMAL PROFFITT’S STORES IS VERY DISAPPOINTING, INFACT THEY HAVE ALMOST GONE BACKWARDS WITH THE CHEAP LOOKING MERCHANDISING; THEY HAVE DONE AWAY WITH MANY NICE LINES IN BETTERSPORTS WEAR THAT PARISIAN’S AND PROFFITT’S HAD, NOT TO MENTION NO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ALL. AND SOME OF THE FREE-STANDING STORES THEY’VE BUILT LOOKS JUST LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN GOODY’S AND KOHLS. TERRIBLE ! I WON’T SHOP THERE!

By Kristin

June 16, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

By Kristin

June 16, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

By Tres

June 16, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Ok…how do I explain this to the anti-Belk people?

The Belk @ Phipps Plaza will be VERY VERY NICE…as good as any Parisian. It will be a flagship store much like the ones in Charlotte and Raleigh. I can understand where everyone is getting this negative perception about it because I used to think it was a crappy strip mall type store myself until a few years ago when I shopped at the one @ Crabtree Valley in Raleigh. You can imagine my surprise. They had all the name brands that Parisian has…Joeseph Abboud, Tommy Bahama, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Lucky Brand Jeans, just to name a few. Heck, I even saw Lilly Pulitzer and St. John at the store in Columbia, SC. If they have that in Columbia, then just imagine what they’ll have in Atlanta. Trust me…the only brands that are leaving are the Parisian house brands, and that’s probably bc Belk couldn’t get the rights to keep them alive.

Here’s my theory: Most of the people in Atlanta (and Birmingham, for that matter) are used to Belk being in strip malls in small towns. At present, that’s pretty much all we have in Georgia and Alabama. You can definitely get the perception that you’d be better off at JCPenney when shopping at the stores we have now. Hey, when the nicest, at present, Belk store in GA is the one @ Georgia Square Mall in Athens, you’re bound to think that Belk isn’t capable of living up to Parisian’s example. However when you compare the Athens store to the one at, say, SouthPark in Charlotte, there’s no contest which one’s the better store. What Belk is trying to do is bring the larger, more upscale Carolinas-style stores to Atlanta as opposed to smaller B-list (and even C-list) stores like the ones we have in Georgia now.

See, what Belk likes to do is tailor each individual store to the community around it. Like the Athens store is in a small town, so naturally that one would sell more moderately-priced merchandise. The Conyers store is even smaller because it’s in an even smaller market than Athens, so it’s selection isn’t even as good as the one in Athens or Mall of GA. The SouthPark store however is located in the Buckhead of Charlotte, so that store will have more high-end designer clothes. Georgians are used to the Athens-Style stores (if not worse) and not the Carolinas-style store.

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK: http://www.belkandparisian.com/images/pdf/Phipps.pdf

Please just take a look at what the Phipps store will have to offer before knocking on Belk. Parisian shoppers, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

Oh, and for the record, I have nothing against Parisian. I think it was a very nice store with excellent service and I’ve had the pleasure of shopping there for the last 15 years. But Belk isn’t bad either. It’s actually a great store if you go to the right one, and I know that the Phipps store will definitely be one of “the right ones”. I think if given the chance, Belk will fit in at Phipps nicely and I’m looking forward to paying visits there frequently.

By Tres

June 16, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Oh…and to add to what I’m saying. I’m only referring to the Phipps store. I wouldn’t get my hopes up about the other Belks opening here (Gwinnett Place, Town Center, etc). The North Point store may be second to Phipps in terms of high end selection. But the Phipps store will be THE Belk in Atlanta.