Belk announced it will open three new stores through the end of 2018, part of a nearly $40 million investment in store remodels, capital improvements and new store openings in 2017. The regional retailer is dedicated to the customer experience and offering an appealing assortment of products in its "Modern. Southern. Style." aesthetic.

Founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, North Carolina, Belk has kept family and community involvement at the top of its core values for its more than 125 years, which has instilled an unmistakable loyalty amongst customers.

"We really want to be an asset to the communities in which we operate," said Lisa Harper, Belk CEO. "Our goal – and really, our hope – is to build lasting relationships with our customers and associates."

The first of the new stores opening on October 11, 2017 are:

• Evans, Georgia – located in the Mullins Colony shopping center at 4263 Washington Rd, Evans, Georgia 30809; and

• Bowling Green, Kentucky – anchoring the Greenwood Mall at 2625 Scottsville Rd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42104.

One additional store will open in 2018 in:

• Hagerstown, Maryland – located in the Valley Mall at 17301 Valley Mall Rd, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.

Belk's intense focus on the customer experience will come to life in the new stores through a variety of ways, including a "buy online, pick up in store" service, phone charging stations and a service desk at the store entrance for quick, convenient access to services such as gift wrapping, returns and Belk Rewards Card payments.

In 2017, Belk also plans to remodel 12 existing stores across their 16-state footprint, an investment of nearly $10 million. An additional $15 million in funding will be used for capital improvements such as parking lots, paint and roofing.

The remodels, capital improvements and new stores continue Belk's commitment to provide a premiere shopping experience to their customers.

Like all of the existing 292 Belk stores, the new locations and remodeled stores will offer a full range of national brands and private label fashion apparel – including Crown and Ivy, Kaari Blue, and New Directions – shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.

"We've been successful in making a personal connection between our brand and our customers," said Harper. "Our customers truly believe they know us and we are a part of their community; and they feel Belk is their store. We want to provide that level of personal connection in every community we enter."