View Magazine - MY Belk (Associate Portal)

VIEW MAGAZINE
Volume 59 Number 3
Belk Honors 2010 Pinnacle Awards Winners
May 2010
Celebrate Mom! Great Motherʼs Day Gift Ideas from Belk
Miracle on the Hudson: Belk Survivors Speak Out
MY VIEWPOINT
I had the pleasure of attending Belk’s first
Engagement Party event at Belk SouthPark in
Charlotte in February. Even though I wasn’t getting
married, I found myself caught up in the excitement
and anticipation that our wedding registry guests
were feeling that night. The brides and grooms
who attended had a blast! There was music, food,
beverages and lots of scanners being used to add items to their gift
registries.
The engagement parties were held at all Belk stores on
February 18 and the results were phenomenal. Kudos to Janie
Sellers, bridal manager, and to all the bridal consultants and home
associates who went all out for this first-time event (pg. 10).
I also enjoyed the annual Pinnacle Awards banquet where awards
were presented to 44 Belk managers and teams who produced outstanding results and strong performances in fiscal 2010. The fun and
festivities were inspired by Tim Belk, chairman and CEO, who feted
the winners for their exceptional accomplishments made during a
tough year for retailers (pg. 4).
I hope everyone is enjoying the spring season and making
time to enjoy personal endeavors outside of work that help enrich,
support and reinvigorate your position at Belk.
Peace –
EDITOR’S PRODUCT PICK
Originality Beads
The modern day charm bracelet! Originality
beads make great gifts and creating a unique
style is the fun part. I’ve started my bracelet with
a few personal choices and now I’ll let the kids
choose a few to add to the “Mom” bracelet on
birthdays and holidays. It’s a great way to allow
children to participate in the gift selections.
$18–$100.
Table of Contents
Store Profile: Newnan, Ga. #404...................3
FY10 Pinnacle Awards ...................................4
Fashion Buzz ..................................................6
Celebrate Mom! Gift Ideas from Belk...........7
Fashion Merchandise Review........................8
Miracle on The Hudson..................................9
Belk’s Engagement Party.............................10
News of Note...............................................11
Belk Fast Facts
Founded in 1888
306 Stores
16 States
23,000 employees
$3.35 billion FY10 revenues
3 Divisions:
Northern (Raleigh, N.C.)
Southern (Atlanta, Ga.)
Western (Birmingham, Ala.)
Stores Honored for Safety Success in Fiscal 2010
Belk recognized 87 stores for outstanding safety performance in fiscal year 2010, all of which reported no associate
accident claims.
Northern Division
#1
#7
#8
#11
#18
#31
#48
#79
#80
#85
#91
#110
#115
#130
#154
#197
#251
#263
#321
#322
#368
#419
2
Monroe, N.C., 9/27/08
Salisbury, N.C., 12/1/08
Sanford, N.C., 2/6/08
Statesville, N.C., 10/12/07
Albemarle, N.C., 7/7/08
Reidsville, N.C., 1/31/05
South Boston, Va., 1/31/05
Raleigh, N.C., 5/25/08
Shelby, N.C., 12/1/06
New Bern, N.C., 3/27/08
Dunn, N.C., 11/22/08
Suffolk, Va., 1/15/09
Boone, N.C., 5/12/08
Washington, N.C., 7/24/08
Siler City, N.C., 8/28/07
Eden, N.C., 4/14/06
Corbin, Ky., 12/14/07
Shallotte, N.C., 10/28/08
Williamsburg, Va., 8/8/08
Lynchburg, Va., 10/22/08
Wilson, N.C., 12/15/08
Fayetteville, N.C., 2/27/07
#449
#496
#506
#521
#526
#529
#530
#531
#537
#544
#562
#580
#697
Kinston, N.C., 3/11/08
Middlesboro, Ky., 9/15/08
Richlands, Va., 8/17/07
Westminster, Md., 7/18/06
Culpeper, Va., 8/5/05
Zebulon, N.C., 12/29/08
Farmville, Va., 12/13/06
Staunton, Va., 5/1/06
Franklin, Va., 10/4/07
Martinsville, Va., 7/17/08
Waynesville, N.C., 10/23/08
Mooresville, N.C., 5/15/08
Morgantown, W.Va., 10/18/08
Southern Division
#3
#44
#72
#78
#89
#106
#114
#149
Union, S.C., 1/31/05
Carrollton, Ga., 12/11/08
Gaffney, S.C., 1/31/05
Hartwell, Ga., 10/6/06
Simpsonville, S.C., 5/30/06
LaGrange, Ga., 10/7/08
Conway, S.C., 10/15/08
Jacksonville, Fla., 11/19/07
#179
#196
#227
#238
#248
#344
#345
#366
#374
#388
#391
#454
#490
#495
#522
#547
#551
#560
#563
#573
#582
#583
#592
Moultrie, Ga., 7/10/07
Fayetteville, Ga., 8/2/08
Camden, S.C., 10/20/08
Dublin, Ga., 12/26/08
Winter Haven, Fla., 4/20/08
Land ‘O Lakes, Fla., 7/10/05
Clermont, Fla., 11/1/07
Thomaston, Ga., 9/15/08
Walterboro, S.C., 5/1/08
Cape Coral, Fla., 4/15/08
Haines City, Fla., 12/17/08
Easley, S.C., 11/28/08
Gainesville, Fla., 12/23/08
Griffin, Ga., 1/17/08
Cordele, Ga., 8/17/07
Vidalia, Ga., 2/19/08
Murrell’s Inlet, S.C., 11/28/08
Hartsville, S.C., 10/8/07
Crystal River, Fla., 3/11/08
St Marys, Ga., 3/9/06
Warner Robins, Ga., 11/6/08
Sebring, Fla., 11/14/07
Laurens, S.C., 3/14/07
#594 Lake City, S.C., 10/11/06
#599 Toccoa, Ga., 12/24/06
Western Division
#199
#246
#255
#282
#285
#296
#315
#316
#336
#385
#558
#588
#611
#626
#633
#669
#683
#684
#693
Paragould, Ark., 8/24/06
Corinth, Miss., 11/3/07
Nacogdoches, Texas, 8/19/08
Morristown, Tenn., 10/23/08
Rogers, Ark., 10/8/06
Waco, Texas, 4/2/08
Columbia, Tenn., 7/9/08
Springfield, Tenn., 6/12/08
McKinney, Texas, 7/29/08
Weatherford, Texas, 6/22/08
Stuttgart, Ark., 1/31/05
Jackson, Tenn., 12/17/08
Decatur, Ala., 4/26/08
Pensacola, Fla., 12/19/08
Little Rock, Ark., 11/18/08
Vicksburg, Miss., 1/5/09
Maryville, Tenn., 12/27/08
Athens, Tenn., 4/3/08
Greenville, Tenn., 7/20/09
Catherine Wilburn
Jacky Howlett, store manager
Carole Harreld
Positive Approach and Teamwork Builds Belk Relationship
in the Community
NEWNAN, GA.
By Donisha Freeman, Assistant Product Manager, WLN Communications Chair
Jacky Howlett, store manager of Belk in Newnan, Ga. #404,
is no stranger to the retail industry having worked for Parisian for
12 years prior to Belk’s acquisition of the company in 2006. His
experience and leadership has helped Belk continue its success as
a leading department store in the Newnan area. Under his guidance,
the former Belk store at Newnan Crossing relocated to an expanded
new $12 million store at The Forum Ashley Park last March and
his store team achieved 107.8% of its sales plan for the year.
He attributes the success to establishing community relationships,
developing a stronger team and sustaining customer loyalty.
“Community involvement is important for growing the business
because we are able to reach a bigger and broader base of constituency,” said Howlett. The development of a strong network with
key local businesses and partnerships with local hospitals, teachers
and financial institutions has helped set the store apart from competitors while also expanding its customer base.
Located 30 miles from Atlanta and midway from Atlanta to the
Alabama line, Newnan has an estimated population of 172,000 and
is known as the “city of homes” because of its beautiful historic
homes.
“Newnan is a nice place to live because it is such a strong
family-oriented community,” said Howlett. And it’s a good fit for
Belk and its service- and community-minded associates.
“I am excited to come to work every day because we all work
together to help satisfy the needs of our customers,” said Carole
Harreld, men’s polo specialist. “Associates possess a variety of skill
sets and work together to achieve the common goal and vision of
the store.”
For example, if one department happens to be short on its
credit sales, associates from other areas of the store step up the
promotion of Belk credit to their customers, says Howlett. “The
energy of helping one another regardless of the need is transparent
from management to associate level,” he said.
Customer loyalty is another essential element to Belk’s continued
growth in Newnan. In an effort to maintain the store’s existing
customer base and also attract new customers, associates focus
on offering superior service. “It is up to our associates to keep customers shopping in our store and provide them with multiple product
offerings that maximize the depth of the store,” Howlett says.
“Customer service is a top
priority. I want each customer to
have a memorable experience
that makes them want to shop
★
with us again,” agreed Harreld.
As an example, Harreld said that
a customer recently made a substantial donation in her name to a
local charity, One Roof Outreach,
because she was so pleased
with the service Harreld provided.
NEWNAN, GA. #404
“I didn’t even know the
THE FORUM ASHLEY PARK
customer prior to that day,” said
Division: Southern
Harreld. “I was notified of the
Store Manager: Jacky Howlett
generous recognition by a letter
Number of Associates: 95
from the organization. I was very
Selling Space: 110,000 sq. ft.
surprised and honored. In fact,
this was the first time anyone has
done anything like this for me.”
The key to success in a large store such as Newnan is to maintain an atmosphere of trust, respect and communication that is
important for any family, asserts Howlett. “Our sales associates are
terrific and like the sense of community and knowing each other,”
he said. “I want everyone to learn something new and grow and
develop to the next level. Store morale is high if associates have the
opportunity to build professional skills, improve the quality of their
work and achieve their goals.”
3
Belk Honors Associates for Outstanding Achievement
P I N N A C L E AWA R D S
Congratulations to the fiscal year 2010 Belk Pinnacle Award winners who were recognized in
April at the annual Pinnacle Awards Dinner and Program. 44 Belk executives, managers and
associates were recognized for outstanding performance and results during fiscal year 2010.
S T OR E M AN A GE R S O F T H E Y E AR
B U Y E R S O F T H E YE A R
A L L O C A TO R O F T H E Y E A R
For best overall performance in sales, direct
controllable profit, customer service & other
measures
For best overall results in sales and
gross margin $ v. plan
For outstanding sales and gross margin
performance, significant contributions to
process development
Tracy Keck
Northern Division
Elizabethtown, Ky.
Center Core
Brett Wortham
Michelle El Koubi
Moderate/Modern Ladies’ Shoes
Sr. Allocation Manager,
Men’s
Men’s, Home and Children’s
Kerry Paschal
Jonathan Bradley
Southern Division
Tifton, Ga.
Fashion Bedding & Table Linens
D I V I SI O N A L P L A N N I N G A N D
A L L O C A TI O N A W A R D
Feminine Apparel
For outstanding sales and gross margin
performance, and other significant
contributions to merchandise planning
and allocation
Larry Armstrong
Melissa Lee
Western Division
Flowood, Miss.
Junior Denim & Active
Marty Anderson
C U S T O M E R S A TI S F A C T I O N A W A R D S
For best store and region overall customer
satisfaction scores
P RI V AT E B R AN D S A W A RD
VP & Project Manager
For outstanding contributions to the overall
success of the private brands business
A L L I G AT O R A W A RD S
S T OR E
Jamie Ehninger
Greenville, Texas
Angie Sullivan
Product Manager,
Kim Rogers/Be Inspired
Store Manager
Kevin Binkley
D M M O F T H E Y EA R
R E GI ON
Texas Region
Preston Antonini
VP & Regional Manager,
Western Division
Tifton, Ga.
Kerry Paschal
Jason Curtis
Eileen Shleffar
Women’s Moderate
Sportswear
For best overall performance in sales, direct
controllable profit, customer service & other
measures
Sandy Foskey
VP & Regional Store Manager
Savannah, Ga. Region
Southern Division
4
Director,
Financial Planning
Lee Danley
P LA N N E R O F TH E Y E A R
For significant contributions to process
development and improving efficiency
and productivity in merchandise planning
and allocation
VP & Regional Manager,
Wilmington, N.C. Region
Northern Division
Steve Kelly
Anne Golke
VP, Marketing
Administration &
Budgeting
Sr. Planner,
Better & Designer
Sportswear
Pete Mirandi
Store Manager
R EG I O N A L M A N A G E R O F T H E Y EA R
VP & Treasurer
For best overall performance in sales,
gross margin $ and turnover v. plan
C RE D I T S OL I C I T AT I ON A W A R D
For best overall results in Belk credit
solicitation
For outstanding performance and
achievement by management
associates in sales support areas
VP, Tax
B
pirit
Belk
Spirit
elk S
C E L E B R AT I N G T H E
C E L E B R AT I N G T H E
F Y 2F Y0 21 0 0 1 0 P PI IN N N N AA CC LL EE
D S
Peter Mendoza
Farrah Pittman
VP & Regional Manager,
Raleigh, N.C. Region
Northern Division
Division Visual Manager,
Western Division
Deborah Truesdale
A AW W
A RA DR S
Visual & Merchandise
Presentation:
Director, Compensation
Kevin Cramer
Process Improvement:
Konika Bell
Six Sigma Black Belt
Anu Brookins
VP, Process Improvement
Director, Stores/Signing
Ned Weavil
Director, Benefits
W A R F OR T AL E N T A W A RD
T E A M E X C EL L E N C E A W A R D
T E A M E X C EL L E N C E A W A R D
For best overall cross-functional
team performance
For best overall cross-functional
team performance
Coupon Compliance
Stores:
For exceptional leadership in recruiting,
developing and promoting high-potential
associates
Jacque Hall
EVP & GMM, Feminine Apparel
Driving Credit Sales
Chris Farinella
Sales Promotion/Marketing:
VP & Regional Manager,
Spartanburg, S.C. Region
Southern Division
I N C L U S I O N & D I VE R S I T Y A W A R D
Yvonda Jackson
For excellence in engaging and developing
associates and fostering a culture of diversity
and inclusion at Belk
Jon Pollack
EVP, Sales Promotion
Marketing & eCommerce
Erik Guenther
Store Manager,
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Dave Penrod
Chair, Southern Division
Senior Copywriter
Eric Bass
SVP & Director of Stores,
Southern Division
D I V I S I O N E X C EL L E N C E A W A R D
Rob Recker
Manager, Customer
Relationship Management
Operations:
Tre Stallings
Credit:
Director,
Stores Special Projects
James Ward
VP, Credit
Information Technology:
For best overall financial performance
of Belk store divisions
Belk, Inc., Western Division
Jan Clevenger
Chair
Roxanne Ladd
Stores:
Business Analyst
Dennis Ripple
VP & Regional Manager,
Birmingham Region
Western Division
Bill Raetz
VP & Regional Manager,
South Florida Region
Southern Division
Gary Siler
SVP & Director of Stores
Sales Promotion/Marketing:
Caryn Bondy
W I LL I A M H E N R Y B E L K A W A R D
Senior Ad Planner
For Exceptional Leadership and Performance
Dave Neri
EVP & GMM, Shoes,
Cosmetics, Accessories
& Fine Jewelry
5
fashion buzz …
By Arlene Goldstein, Vice President,
Trend Merchandising, Fashion Direction
The Most
Wanted
Fashions for
Summer 2010
This summer, take your look from “okay” to “oh wow!” with the essential fashion basics of
the season. Bright colors, exotic prints, flirty frocks and mixed media accessories are among the
hottest trends. Don’t stress about getting dressed. You can make it happen with Belk’s Most
Wanted for Summer 2010.
The first Most Wanted item is an Adorned Top. Ethnic elegance never looked so good as
native artistry enhances this “better than basic” style option. Beads, embroidery and handcrafted
flowers feel so right.
Exotic Prints also make the list. It’s a jungle out there and over the top animal prints,
especially zebra, cheetah and snake, are a warm weather wonder!
Third on the Most Wanted list is the New Short. Count on the über-chic short to update and
refresh your weekend wardrobe. High-waisted, softly shaped and often cuffed, this item is key.
Next, a Flirty Skirt is an essential for the season. Skirts and summer go hand in hand. From
frilled and frou-frou to tribal inspired prints that are gathered or layered, skirts are a definite style
statement for summer.
Everyone needs Something Denim, including
jeans, shorts, shirts, bags and more. Yes, get your blues
on. There is a shade to suit any aesthetic, although
light washes and white, white, white are the “of the
moment” options. Never underestimate the power
of denim! For a cooler day, grab a New Classic
Cardigan. This sweater offers style and versatility from
weekend wow to boardroom bravado. Try adding a belt
to play up your waist.
Turn a high-fashion trend into real-life chic with an
Embellished Dress. Fabulous frocks are a must.
Slip into a dress that is ornate and elegant yet easy
to wear. This dress speaks for itself—keep the
accessories simple.
Another summer fashion must-have is a Bold
Necklace. Get the tribe vibe and make a statement
with a mixed media necklace that is interesting and
unexpected. Don’t forget that this season, bigger is
better! Lastly, go global and believe in baubles with a
boho bent by wearing Decorated Sandals. Jewelry for
the feet will be your new favorite trend. Fringe, beads,
semi precious stones and studs say it all.
6
FASHION MERCHANDISE
Celebrate Mom!
M OT H E R ’ S DAY I S M AY 9
Only the Best for Mom!
Fine Jewelry at 40%–50% off
PLUS 20% Coupon
Diamond Pendants
14K Mother of Pearl Pendants
Diamond Studs
Gold Earrings
Pearls
Accessories
Belk Silverworks Originality Beads $18–$100
Belk Silverworks Heart Pendants $40–$60
“Lauren” Wallet from Hobo International $100
Fossil Handbags – Castille, Blackburn, Camden,
Cabo and Hanover $78–$138
ND New Directions “Infinity” Scarf $20
Assemble A New Spring Outfit for Mom for Under $100!
Cardigan and Skirt by
Madison
Knit Top and Shorts by Madison
Blouse and skirt by
Sunny Leigh
Blouse and skirt by Sunny Leigh
7
FASHION MERCHANDISE
Great Outdoor Entertaining
Summer Shop 2010
It’s that time of year again when warm weather
brings people outdoors for dining and entertaining.
This season, Belk expands its popular Summer
Shop with new products that are brightly colored,
insulated, portable and practical for at home or
on-the-go activities.
Mix & Match: Dinnerware in bright colors, patterns
and a seasonal hibiscus floral design offer a variety
of options for unique table presentations.
$2.99–$3.99
Durable Acrylic: Designed for strength and safety,
Belk’s beverage line has been expanded to include
beverage dispensers, wine glasses, double wall
mugs, goblets and pitchers. $5.99–9.99
Sets: Great for yourself or as a hostess gift.
• Four stacked wine goblets in an easy-to-store
tube container $14.99
• 7-piece pitcher and tumbler set $14.99
• Drink shaker and stirrer set $4.99
Serve with Style: New 16-inch round enameled metal trays and
matching 4-compartment caddies help you transport food, drinks
and condiments from the kitchen to the patio. $9.99–$12.99
8
Kids: They love to join the fun! Stock up on freezable
sippy cups, swirly straw tumblers and kid-sized compartmentalized tray-plates that match your tableware.
Set the Mood: Add a string of happy, fun paper
lantern lights to add ambience to your setting. $12.99
Portable and Practical: Going to a picnic? Invited
to a friend’s backyard party? Attending a concert in
the park? Belk now offers insulated, portable and
collapsible items perfect for on-the-go fun.
• Insulated Wine Tote carries two bottles of wine
and accessories. $14.99
• Pop-up Beverage Cooler with handle is great for
ice, beverages or keeping food cool! $19.99
• Picnic Blanket features a soft side and insulated
side to keep ground moisture from seeping
through. Rolls up and packs easily with a Velcro
fastener and handle. $19.99
• Insulated Beverage Tub features handles and a built-in bottle
opener. $14.99
• Rolling Backpack Cooler includes attachable insulated wine
pouches, front pockets and wheels for easy transporting.
Converts into a backpack for carrying hands-free. $34.99
Miracle on the Hudson: Belk Survivors Share Their Stories
By Donisha Freeman, Assistant Product Manager, WLN Communication Chair
Part I
pilots,” she said. “(That day), there was a
On the frigid morning of January 15,
very loud boom and the whole plane
2009, US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by
shuttered and shook. The plane dropped
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger
suddenly and I screamed because I was
crash landed into New York’s Hudson
terrified.” She said her only thoughts
River shortly after the plane struck a flock
were of her husband and daughter so she
of Canada Geese during its takeoff from
reached for her cell phone and dialed home.
LaGuardia Airport. All of the passengers
“It felt like an eternity before (my husand crew survived. Six of those passenband) answered and he asked me if I would
gers were merchants from the Belk
be late returning to Charlotte,” she recalled.
corporate office.
“With an eerily calm voice I told him ‘the
The following are excerpts from the
plane is going to crash and it will not end
stories of five of the Belk survivors. They
well.’” Her deep sense of faith provided
personally recounted their experiences
tremendous sense of peace, she said.
at the Belk corporate office on Feb. 10
After the plane hit the Hudson it was
during the “Miracle on the Hudson –
controlled chaos as the passengers exited
Belk Survivors of Flight 1549 Speak”
onto the wing. Shleffar slipped and fell into
event hosted by Belk’s Women’s
From left, Lisa English, Laurie Crane (standing), Michael
the freezing water. She attempted to use
Leadership Network. This is the first of a Leonard, Laura Zych and Eileen Shleffar.
one of the plane doors as a flotation device
two-part series. Part II is published in the
but it soon sank below the surface. She was able to get back on the
May issue of View Online! available now on the Hanger and
wing and wait to be rescued, but the wake of a rescue boat caused
Associate Portal.
her to fall into the river again. And to make matters worse, she
It was the end of a typical New York City market week for Belk
suffered a broken arm and injured collarbone while being pulled into
merchants Laurie Crane, Lisa English, Michael Leonard, Eileen
the boat. Her husband was soon by her side and they flew back to
Shleffar and Laura Zych as they settled into their seats for the
Charlotte together knowing the worst was behind them.
short flight back to Charlotte. By the end of the day, however,
Michael Leonard, private brands
nothing would be typical or ordinary in their lives ever again.
product manager, housewares, was
Laura Zych, private brands product manager, juniors, coats and
sitting on the plane one row behind
swimwear, said she had just relocated to Charlotte and said she was
the exit door. He said that after hearing
working to become acclimated to the city and establish a better
the captain say “brace for impact”
work/life balance. Her first Belk market trip had been successful and
he immediately felt confident.
she was excited to be going “home.”
“(The captain) made this statement
The plane took off from the runway on time. “It was approxias if that was exactly what should
mately three and a half seconds into the flight, when my life would
be happening—he was confident and
change forever,” Zych commented. “I heard a loud boom and realsure,” said Leonard. Only two abstract
ized something was wrong. I smelled jet fuel, saw a glow to the
thoughts ran through his mind.
left of my seat (17D) and realized the wing was on fire.” Although
Lisa English and Michael
Leonard sign copies of the
“I wondered where the plane would
fearful thoughts entered her mind, she said she didn’t want to call
book, Miracle on the Hudson,
split (in two), and who would die…
her family because she assumed everything was under control and
for guests following the
I never once thought that it would be
she was not one to panic.
program.
me.” Following the crash, Leonard took
“I said a prayer to God and asked Him
a calm, heroic approach, opening the exit door, helping other
to get me out of this and to let my family
passengers exit the plane and lifting people onto the ferry.
know I love them,” Zych said. “The pilot
“Once I was on the wing and saw other people panicking, I realwarned all the passengers to brace for
ized I needed to take action and help. I believe it was more instinct
impact and after the aircraft descended
than anything. People needed help. I just did what came naturally.”
into the river (the impact) felt like a bad car
“I helped others get onto the ferry which was difficult with the
accident.”
wake of the boats knocking people down,” Leonard said. He recalls
Water immediately began to fill the
one woman who had fallen into the river and was hysterical. She
aisles of the plane and she realized she
had lost her grip on the wing several times and Leonard struggled to
had to get to the nearest exit door. She
Laura Zych found love
lift her. “I finally got her onto the wing and held her hands in mine.
said that as she exited onto the wing of
after the crash with fellow
I kept rubbing and blowing on her hands because she said she could
the plane a subtle peace fell over her
Charlotte passenger, Ben
Bostic.
not feel them. I knew she needed feeling back in her hands if she
because she knew she would soon be
was going to make it out alive,” he said. The woman was praying
rescued.
constantly as Leonard held her. “She prayed for Jesus to save us,
“This was the first day of the rest of my life,” she said. “I am so
and I told her, ‘he will save you, you will be okay.’
grateful to be alive and now able to celebrate life.”
Eileen Shleffar, vice president and division merchandise manager,
women’s moderate sportswear, said she is a very nervous flier and
has a routine to help keep her focused during takeoffs.
Read Part II of this story in the May issue of View Online! available on
“I count the number of rows to the exit, and say a prayer for the
the Hanger and Associate Portal.
9
Guests in Charlotte, N.C. #452
Huntsville, Ala. #607
Flowood, Miss. #678
Belk Engagement Party Drives Bridal Registry Business
manager. “Our goal was to increase new registries
and expand registries we already have. We wanted
to target couples rather than just the bride and give
them the opportunity to make decisions together
and have a good time.” As a result, the average
potential value of each registry during the event
was 9 percent higher than registries completed in
all of fiscal year 2010, said Sellers.
The event was promoted via direct mail invitations, e-mail communications, in-store signage, bag
stuffers, personal phone invitations and an e-mail
blast sent from The Knot to approximately 60,000
of its members in Belk markets. “We registered
20 brand new bridal customers in Raleigh, N.C.
alone who found out about the Engagement Party
from The Knot’s e-mail,” said Sellers. “It’s an exciting new marketing tool for us that really worked.”
Belk’s first Engagement Party event held
February 18 in all Belk stores resulted in more than
1,400 new bridal registry customers. The event
helped the company exceed its February bridal
registries goal by 19 percent and 12.6 percent over
last year.
Modeled after the popular Belk “Girls Night
Out” event, the Engagement Party wowed couples
with great food, music and prize drawings while
also allowing associates to help them set up their
gift registry and add items for their home outside
of the traditional wedding gift and guild products.
“The Engagement Party was a new approach
that took on an entirely different feel than the
Bridal Expo events of the past, which were more
focused on wedding planning versus promoting
our gift registry,” said Janie Sellers, Belk bridal
Art Director: Brellyn Ellenberger
What the Stores Are Saying
“Biggest in-store bridal turnout we have ever had.”
Nancy Stanley, Winston-Salem, N.C. #17
“The best turnout we have had in years.”
Wanda Odom, Columbus, Miss. #675
Refreshments Served! Huntsville, Ala. #607
“Great corporate support on this event! The
marketing worked and the prizes were fantastic!”
Stacy Baker, Columbia, S.C. #162
“As soon as the event started, we had about 10
couples waiting…it was a true party atmosphere.”
Charlotte, N.C. #452
Joe Reina, Myrtle Beach, S.C. #244
“We may not have registered the most brides in
our Division but were extremely proud to report
that our store registered 14 brides last night.”
Erma Harrison, Dublin, Ga. #238
Store manager Randy Dell and ASM
Martha Moore, Charlotte, N.C. #452
10
“We had a better turnout (for this event) than the
in-store expo because brides brought their grooms
with them. Most, if not all, of the couples added
items to their registry during the event. This will
increase our sales.”
Ephrem Shelby, Oxford, Miss. #396
Delicious Buffets. Meridian, Miss. #668
NEWS OF NOTE
Keeping In Touch With Belk Associates
CORPORATE OFFICE
ASSOCIATES FURNISH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME
FOR LOCAL FAMILY
Belk hosted a group of inner city youth in February.
DURHAM, N.C.
BELK HOSTS LOCAL YOUTH FOR BLACK HISTORY
MONTH EVENT
Early on Saturday morning, February 6, the Belk in Durham, N.C.
#242 was already bustling with special visitors in celebration of
Black History Month. Prior to the store opening, Moneta Brown,
ASM, dresses and intimate apparel, organized and hosted an hourlong event in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. that
brought a group of inner city youth to Belk for a day of fashion
education and pampering. Moneta teamed intimate department
associates with Danitra Squire, ASM, men’s, and her team to give
participants a jam-packed morning of learning about fashion and
proper fitting.
The young ladies in the group joined Belk associates LaToya
Jones, Maureen Wertheim, Denise Buckley and Barbara Foxx,
who taught them the basics of fitting and wearing undergarments
for special occasions and every day. They were also fitted for the
proper size bra.
The young men spent time in the men’s department with
associates George Reeves and Welton Jones learning about the
proper fit for a dress shirt and casual wear. They also received a
demonstration of how to tie a necktie properly. At the end of the
event, participants were quizzed on what they had learned and
won prizes.
SPARTANBURG, S.C.
MANAGER TAKES CREATIVE APPROACH TO SHOE SALES
Debbie Zoha, store manager in Spartanburg, S.C. #482,
promoted an in-store contest to boost sales of Yellow Box shoes by
dressing up and greeting associates and customers dressed as a
“yellow box.” Everyone agreed it was a creative “out of the box”
approach to building the business.
As a result of the financial support of the Charlotte Good
Neighbor Fund (CGNF) and the frugal shopping and dedicated efforts
of Belk corporate office associates, a five-bedroom, three bathroom
Habitat for Humanity house was completely furnished for a local
refugee family in Matthews, N.C.
Last fall, Amy Lewis,
program manager in Belk’s
training and development
department, was approached
by a member of her church,
Philadelphia Presbyterian,
and asked if she would
participate in the Habitat for
Humanity project the church
was sponsoring for the Lual
family. Moses Lual, his wife
Moses Lual and son Christopher with
Rebecca, and their five chilvolunteers, Chuck and Barbara Williamson
dren arrived in Charlotte, N.C.
and Amy Lewis.
in 2004 as refugees from
Sudan. While working and attending the local community college,
the family had been living in a cockroach-infested rental house
before becoming partners with Habitat for Humanity.
As a volunteer with the CGNF’s holiday campaign at Belk,
Lewis immediately rallied to get the family a sponsorship. When the
application was approved, she and her CGNF team – Cindi Smith,
Audrey Abron, Annette Brinson and Heather Boyce – started by
providing the family with holiday meals and gifts and later began
shopping and gathering merchandise samples for use in furnishing
the house, which was scheduled to be completed in March.
“BSS merchandising deserves so much credit for providing us
with samples and merchandise for this family,”
said Lewis. Most Habitat
for Humanity homes do
not include furnishings
for the families, she said.
“Many associates were
very responsive and supportive.”
“This family is very
special,” she added.
“They work hard and
appreciate what we’ve done for them. Every day that the house
was being built, Mr. Lual was there working with the volunteers.
He was always the first one on the jobsite and the last to leave.”
To turn the empty house into a home, Lewis and the team
furnished new beds, pillows and bedding, dressers and lamps for
the seven family members, including a crib and bedding for the baby.
They also provided a dining table and six chairs for the kitchen, and
a sofa and chair for the family room. They decorated the bathrooms
with new shower curtains, rugs, towels, and toiletries, filling the
linen closets with fresh new supplies. They also outfitted the kitchen
with small appliances, cookware, dinnerware and glassware.
“We took a house, built by many with sweat and tears, and
made it a home for the Lual family,” Lewis said during the dedication
ceremony in Charlotte. “I was in a unique situation to be part of both
a generous church community and the Charlotte Good Neighbor
Fund at Belk and was able to bring people together to really make
a difference.”
11
VIEW MAGAZINE
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #3328
CHARLOTTE, NC
Belk, Inc.
2801 W. Tyvola Road
Charlotte, N.C. 28217-4500
(704) 426-8451
Address Service Requested
SPECIAL EVENTS
Brighton Charm Party
Thursday, May 6
All Belk Stores with Brighton
Men’s Night Out
Wednesday, May 12
Top 115 Belk Tailored Clothing Stores
Contemporary Department
Summer Event
Friday, May 21
Belk stores #452, #458, #604,
#607, #629
BENEFITS BASIC
Q: Can I shop at Belk.com and still
receive my associate discount?
A: Yes! Associates must register online,
enter associate information and use a
Belk charge card to receive associate
discounts on Belk.com purchases. To
find the place to enter your associate
information, follow the instructions to
register. When you have registered,
then go to the “My Account” link at
the top of the home page.
Click on the “Edit” link under “Belk
Associate Information” and click on
“I Am A Belk Employee”. Key in your
four-digit store ID and six-digit associate
ID. Note: Make your store number four
digits by adding a zero in front and do
the same with your associate ID.
Senior Communications
Coordinator and Editor
Lynda Stadler
Associate Art Director
Pamela Fernandez
www.belk.com
LP AWARENESS
Fitting Room Inspections Help LP Teams
If you ever thought you were wasting your time
performing periodic fitting room checks, think again.
At Belk in Jacksonville, N.C. #294 one associate’s
routine inspection resulted in a customer shoplifting
apprehension and a $1,500 recovery.
On February 15, the associate discovered 16 price
tags from Polo Ralph Lauren items and ten security sensors hidden inside a undershirt package. She immediately
notified Steve Eavenson, loss prevention manager, who
Rachel Tucker, Steve Eavenson and Ivory
reviewed the video footage of the area and identified a
Pierce.
subject behaving suspiciously.
The next day, while observing the store’s closed
circuit TV (CCTV) monitors, Eavenson recognized the suspect from the video footage the day
before as he entered the store and began selecting products and concealing them on the floor
under a clearance rack near the fitting room entrance.
Eavenson notified Ivory Pierce, loss prevention associate, and the team began monitoring
the area by CCTV and from the floor with the assistance of Rachel Tucker, ASM. The subject
left the store and the items he had placed by the fitting room were identified down to the UPC
codes and price. When the subject returned, he selected four more items then entered the fitting
room and immediately exited to retrieve the items he had put under the rack. When he left the
fitting room he had only four of the items, plus a Polo hat on his head that was missing its sensor
tag. By removing the sensor, the suspect had already committed a felony offense under North
Carolina law.
The suspect then moved to the shoe department where he put on a pair of display shoes and
exited the store carrying his old shoes. Pierce shadowed the suspect and followed him out into
the mall where the suspect then doubled back through the store. At that point, he was detained
by Pierce and Eavenson.
During the interview with Eavenson, the suspect revealed that he was wearing two shirts
under his jacket and after several denials, he admitted to the theft on the previous day and was
arrested and charged with two counts of felony larceny from a merchant.
A new companion newsletter published monthly online on
The Hanger and the Associate Portal (http://associate.belk.com).
Read each new issue on the first Friday of each month.
Special thanks to the following contributors:
Dianna Dix, Steve Eavenson, Donisha Freeman, Tolly Harris, Arlene Goldstein, Becky Pinion,
Janie Sellers, Emily Spratt, Darlene Starcher, Bob Vranek, Darrell Williams and all the Belk
merchandise buyers and executives who provide information for View Magazine.
Send your comments or submissions to [email protected] or contact Lynda Stadler at (704) 426-8451.
View Magazine • Belk, Inc. • 2801 W. Tyvola Rd. • Charlotte, N.C. 28217-4500
View Magazine is an internal publication produced by Belk’s Corporate Communications Department. It is intended solely
for Belk associates and not for external distribution.