Belk launches Southern designer contest

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Regional department store retailer Belk has launched a contest for Southern apparel designers in multiple categories for its 125th anniversary celebration. The retailer is accepting photographs and samples in the women’s, men’s and kids’ apparel, shoes, and women’s accessories categories for its Southern Showcase. Entrants must be from the Southern states that Belk has retail stores in, or have strong connections to the South. Winning designs will be produced for sale at Belk stores and featured in advertising campaigns for spring 2013.

“We are proud of our history as a Southern-based retailer and want to introduce even more great brands to our assortment,” commented Belk’s VP of trend merchandising and fashion direction Arlene Goldstein. “We are looking for brands that represent the talented South and the modern, Southern style we deliver every day.”

Details can be found at belk.com/southerndesigner. The deadline is May 1, 2012.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk is a privately owned department store chain operating 303 stores in 16 states. It was founded by William Henry Belk in 1888.