May 11

May 11 Belk reopens with COVID safety features

Phase 1 of a three-part plan went into effect on Friday as the first step in reopening North Carolina. In the first phase, the distinction between essential and nonessential businesses has been removed. Retail businesses can open at 50% capacity and will require customers to stand 6 feet apart.

Belk reopened on Monday using new store hours from 12 pm - 6 pm and with guardrails in place to protect both the customers and the employees. Belk will allow up to 166 customers at one time, which is 20% of the max capacity of the store.

“The safety and well being of our customers and employees are our main concern,” said Jeffrey Williford, the manager of Belk.

Shoppers are guided through the store with arrows on the aisles and checkout lines specific for customers purchasing new items, and a separate checkout for returned items. The dressing rooms are closed, and customers will not be able to try on items.

“We’re using an abundance of caution,” said Williford.

The store was disinfected prior to opening and the employees will be waring masks to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Belk is following every CDC guideline and have increased cleaning frequency of all high touch surfaces.

“I’m excited to welcome our customers back,” said Williford. “Even though things will be different, we’re excited to have a sense of normalcy back in our lives.”

The employees have worked hard to ensure that the customers will have a safe and pleasant experience shopping at Belk.

“We’re proud to be Kinston’s hometown department store, and we’re excited for people be able to shop with us again,” said Williford. “We know that everyone is eager to return and see us.”

Belk is located at 800 Hardee Road in Kinston in the mall with plenty of parking for all of the customers to practice safe social distancing.