Belk recently opened its newest store in Hagerstown, Maryland, and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.

The Southern retailer celebrated the opening -- and the creation of 110 jobs -- with a $25,000 donation to Micah's Backpack, a local nonprofit that provides food assistance for children from low-income families. The donation is part of the retailer's community outreach program, Belk: Project Hometown, a five-year, 15-million-dollar commitment to strengthen southern communities and help families thrive.

Lisa Harper, Belk CEO, comments, "For 130 years, a spirit of giving and warmth has inspired us to lift up others and positioned Belk as the go-to shopping destination for our shoppers and their families. Whether you live in Evans, Georgia, Dallas, Texas or Hagerstown, Maryland, we want you to know we are invested in your town and your neighbors."

Reimagining the Department Store Experience

Belk says it is on a journey to "reimagine the department store experience." The retailer invested in more than $70 million over the last two years to give their stores, across 16 states, a refreshed look.

New enhanced features at the Hagerstown store, as well as in other Belk locations, include a "buy online, pick up in store" option, self-service layouts for shoes and beauty, and a full-service fine jewelry department.

"Customers cherish the personal connections made while shopping at their Belk," said Harper. "Whether they are looking for their daughter's prom dress, picking out matching holiday sweaters, or building a wedding registry, Belk is part of major life moments."

Hagerstown expands Belk's footprint to 292 stores, which feature a range of national brands and private label fashion apparel, including Crown and Ivy, True Craft and The Limited. Belk stores also carry shoes, accessories, cosmetics, home merchandise, and have a wedding registry.

Belk was founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, North Carolina -- and since it has kept family and community involvement at the heart of its values, customers respond with loyalty.