Two local retailers are under renovations, in an attempt to make the stores more shopper friendly and merchandise more accessible.
Belk department store and Old Navy clothing store both have remodeling projects to be completed in the next few months.
Belk”s remodel is mainly consolidating fragrance and cosmetics spaces and expanding the shoe department, to offer more self-help areas. It will start on or about June 6 and won”t affect the store”s regular hours.
Old Navy”s revamp is part of a companywide overhaul. The store is moving away from its “warehouse style” and moving toward a more “modern look” with “easier access to merchandise,” explained store manager Victoria Mason.
“Columbus is very lucky, because only about half the fleet is going to the new look right now,” Mason said. “We”re very excited.”
The grand opening of the remodeled store is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 5; renovations began on Sunday.
Plans for the store include lowering high fixtures and adding elements for children, such as interactive games.
“(The new design) makes it easier to shop, and it”s a lot more fun,” Mason said.
Old Navy will host a grand opening event with games and prizes upon completion of the renovation and will announce the date for those events as construction wraps.
Mason expects construction to continue for about eight weeks, and workers are ahead of schedule.
Despite partial demolition of the storefront and the removed Old Navy sign, the store, at 1488 Old Aberdeen Road, beside Burlington Shoes, is still open during its regular business hours.
“We”re still open, and we will remain open throughout the entire construction time,” Mason said. “We”re doing our construction overnight.”
There also are temporary walls in place, so the work is away from shopping areas.
“Everything is still here. We”re still here to serve Columbus,” Mason said.
As work continues on the storefront, customers can enter the store through a temporary doorway, evident upon approaching the business.
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