Shop Talk

By Maggie

September 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I worked for Belk for many years and I don’t see how it’s going to survive in the upscale atlanta areas. Smaller towns, ok, but not when it’s competing against stores like Bloomingdales. The quality of the merchandise is cheap. Unless Parisian sold their labels to Belk, it’s just not comparable. Parisian had very nice private labels while Belk’s is just cheaply made. We’ll see…

By GVH

September 12, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Living in Columbus, GA, I’m put out with Belk as we had a gorgeous Parisian store and Belk simply closed it down without any thought of opening their own store in that space. Perhaps they were fearful that they could not compete with Macy’s, Dillard’s, Kohl’s and JC Penny.

By Red

September 12, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I was in Belk at Phipps on Sunday. The merchandise was still Parisian, which I did not mind. There were some great deals, but I am looking forward to Belk’s touch to come to Phipps, and see how they really fare. I wish them well!

By Kellie

September 12, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

There obviously isn’t much shopping in Columbus if the only competition for Belks is Dillard, Macy, Kohls and JcPenny. Belk is along the same lines as those mediocre stores. Step to the north side of Atlanta like Cobb, Gwinnett, and North Fulton are you’ll find real competition for Belks.

Any mall that has Belks as its upscale store is not a mall at all. For example, Stonecrest Mall. This is one of the most hyped mall, but totally lacks quality stores.

By FRED

September 12, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Belk reminds of a product from another generation. Like theses brands for example. Zenith, Shoney’s, Oldsmobile,and Service merchandise. It just does not seem current and fresh to me in the market. Maybe they can shake off that image. I feel the name lacks meaning.

By KTW

September 12, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Belk can stick it. I go to Belk in Macon and Valdosta and I’m not really impressed. Hope they fail at Phipps Plaza. Why would they put a store at high-class Phipps Plaza, but as GVH noted earlier, not put one in Columbus, GA and close our Parisian store in the process?

By Amy

September 12, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Come on guys give Belk a chance. I am from Alabama and a lifelong Parisian shopper. I have also always known Belk as a smaller town store. I recently visited a Belk store in South Carolina that put Macy’s to shame. It was much more on par with Bllomingdales or Nordstrom.

Because of the SC experience I have gone in the new Phipps and NorthPoint Belk stores. What a shock, they are better than Parisian has been in those two locations in the last year. The stores look outstanding. The quality of the merchandise was better at Northpoint and comparable at Phipps. The associates were friendly. There was an item in the Belk mailer I could not find in the NP store. An associate took my name and this morning called me to let me know it had come in. That never happened in Parisian!

The other thing you need to understand is Parisian did not make money for years. Belk has consistently operated in the black. Belk is doing something right or they would be being bought out by Parisian no vice versa.

By Marsha

September 12, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Has anyone ever been to South Park Mall in Charlotte? The Belk’s there is awesome, all the designer labels and upscale brands.

By CL

September 12, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

“BELK CHARITY DAY - October 15, 2007 - Are you looking for a way to support the National MS Society?
As a grand opening special, the Belk Department Store at North Point Mall (previously Parisian) is hosting a Charity Day Sale on October 15, 2007. For the first time in Belk department store history, one charity will be the sole beneficiary of the proceeds from that day, and the National MS Society is the proud recipient.”

I worked for Belk while in high school in Winder. Little did I know I would be diagnosed with MS last year at the age of 52. I think it’s wonderful that they are doing this for us and I will definitely be a loyal customer from here on out. (But I did get out of retail sales after that. Now I totally admire people that can work with the public.)

By Cindy

September 12, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

I am from Greensboro, NC, and grew up shopping at Belk. I look forward to shopping at Belk at NorthPoint and Phipp’s.

By Griffin Shopper

September 13, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

I hope Parisian rubs off on Belk and not the other way around. We have had a Belk in Griffin for decades. It was great in the 80’s when I was growing up, but it has gone downhill. Gone are the designer handbags and the really high-end brands. Unfortunately, in this town, it’s the only place to shop besides Wal-Mart(ick). Maybe our Belk will improve now that they have absorbed Parisian. I can dream can’t I?

By NC Girl

September 13, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Next time I’m in ATL (just moved), I am going to check out the Belk at Phipps. I am sure the Belk Family understands what it takes to be an upscale merchant at Phipps and will rise to the challenge.

I am a former employee of Belk, having worked in the Charlotte offices for a number of years. Belk is a great company and they have done much over the past 10 years to get to this point.

As someone stated earlier, Belk at SouthPark (their flagship store) is top notch - nothing like the stores they are known for in rural South markets.

Beest of Luck, Belk!

By DJ

September 13, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Check out the new GAP store at North Pointe Mall opening Saturday, September 22. It is a fresh new look. The new GAP includes GAP adult, kids, Body, baby and maternity. The old store was divided into four separate stores w/a separate entrance for each. The new GAP’s grand opening is Saturday, September 22. Be sure to check it out!

By Shopaholic

September 18, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

I went to the North Point store this weekend and I was not impressed. The store layout was nice, but the merchandise reminded me of Dillards.

BTW…..Belk is NOT at Stonecrest Mall.