Belk taking a deeper dive into discount format stores as traffic jumps
Charlotte, N.C. – Belk is expanding on a new format that is driving higher store visits than its traditional department store model. The regional retailer announced today that it will open 5 more Belk Outlet locations later this week and early next week.
The company opened its first outlet store on Jan.
30 in Greeneville, Tenn. in what had been a Belk department store. Since becoming a Belk Outlet, the Greenville location has seen significant improvements to foot traffic, according to Placer.ai data. Traffic analysis for last month showed visits per square doubled compared to February 2022.
In addition, shoppers remained in the store for a longer period of time. 
“Visits and visitors both increased, but visitors had a more rapid growth trajectory, meaning more unique visitors are driving visits to the new store,” wrote Placer.ai’s Ezra Carmel in today’s “Deep Dive” report on Belk. The outlet format, which includes home merchandise, is stocked with discounted items that come directly from Belk department stores along with new items such as high-end and designer brands that Belk locations may not have carried in the past.
The five new Belk Outlet locations are:
- 911 E Main Street, Laurens, S.C. (opening 3/30)
- 19 Claypool Hill Mall, Cedar Bluff, Vir. (opening 3/30)
- 3093 East Main Street, Suite B, Russellville, Ark. (opening 3/30)
- 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Ste 800, Clarksville, Tenn. (opening 4/4)
- 6640 Douglas Blvd., Douglasville, Ga. (opening 4/4)
To officially celebrate the new Belk Outlets, each of the five locations will hold grand opening events on April 15.
The first 200 customers will receive a Belk gift card valued at up to £500.
Gift cards will range in value from £5-£25, with one £100 winner and one £500 winner at each location.
