Belk recently announced completion of a $1 million expansion and remodeling of the ladies shoe department. The work consisted of updating the accessories department, creating a new jewelry area, and redesigning the shoe and handbag department. The remodeling provided the store with 5,000 extra square feet of space in which to display designer shoes.

Lisa Lassiter, regional and store manager of Belk at Lakeshore Mall, said she's proud of the way the store looks now. She said she's proudest of the ladies shoe department.

"I love it. We took it from 3,500 square foot in a dark space to a huge open 8,500 square foot space," Lassiter said.

She admitted the price tag on the remodeling was expensive but said she expects to see a return on the investment. Since the work was completed in early August, daily sales totals and customer experience have improved.

"It's just an investment in the store and the community so that Belk can be the leader in Gainesville and Northeast Georgia," Lassiter said.

As one of the top volume Belk stores in the Atlanta market, the store may be in line for more upgrades in the future. Plans to improve other departments are being discussed. The latest updates are just in time for the upcoming holiday shopping rush.

"We're really looking forward to the holiday season and our expansion and the space that we have," Lassiter said. Customers who wandered the shoe department praised the changes.

Joan Kinzly of Sky Valley perused the new selection of shoes and tried on a pair of silver flats.

"It's nice. They've done a good job," Kinzly said.

Nancy Copper of Gainesville rolled up the leg on her blue jeans to try on a pair of black boots. She said she enjoys shopping in the remodeled Belk.

"I love it. It's so much better. It's a lot easier to shop, I think there's a better selection, a better layout overall," Copper said.

The store will celebrate its new space by having a grand opening party, complete with a local DJ, from 5-9 tonight.