Belk bulks up home department

By Andrea Lillo -- Home Textiles Today, 5/20/2002 12:00:00 AM

CHARLOTTE, NC —

Having announced its intention to merge its five merchandising and marketing divisions into one by August, privately owned department store retailer Belk has also restructured and added to its home area.

Mary Delk, formerly a partner at Arthur Andersen in Chicago, has joined Belk as president of this new, consolidated division, with the company's gmm's reporting to her. She reports to H.W. McKay Belk, who heads merchandising and marketing as president of Belk Inc.

In addition, Amy Wooden has become executive vp, merchandise planning and allocation. She joins Belk from Service Merchandise, where she was vp of logistics and allocation. She also reports to the president.

David Zant has become executive vp and gmm, men's and home. Previously, he was president of merchandising for Belk's central division. He replaces Dennis Myer, who has retired.

Belk has also reorganized its home buying area, and separated the soft- and hardline categories. Donna Barker is now dmm, softlines, while Jeff Beard is dmm, hardlines. In addition, four buyers have been allocated to the soft- and hardlines areas.

According to the company, it is unknown if any fallout will occur from the consolidation of divisions. In fact, the company has been adding a number of planning, allocation and buying positions.