Charlotte, NC

It’s a place that can make each of us CrownTowners proud.
One of the greatest retail stores in America is based right here in Charlotte … and, wherever I go (either for appearances as The Rock Relic or just for fun, as Chuck Hinson), it gives me a lotta pride to see the Belk name emblazoned above a store!

Years ago, I’d go to the main store on N. Tryon St. — either with one of my Garinger High friends, a date, or by myself — and was totally awed by the selection, the cleanliness, and the customer service. Of course, (ahem!) with my dates (few-and-far-between), I couldn’t get out without buyin’ them something, but the prices weren’t bad for a “classy” store.

Well, guess what?? A few months ago, on a trip to Ashland (got another one comin’ up in a coupla days. Big wrestling show to announce …), I stopped by the mall up there for a cuppa joe and some Chinese food (they’ve got a dynamite oriental restaurant there!). The mall, itself, is empty by Carolina Place standards, except for one store. The mighty Proffitt’s had just been bought out by … Belk! And shoppers were comin’ in like crazy! This little, bitty town about the size of a breadbox had found a mecca for shoppers in the form of our favorite shop-stop!

When I went in, it was like goin’ back through time: Cleanliness, great selection and prices, the scent of the perfume counter — and still the best customer service anywhere! (As you know, that’s changed a lot over the years with most big-name retailers. Look at Wal-Mart®, for an example …). Talkin’ with the manager there, I found out that Henderson & brothers demanded that from its employees … and they take it to heart!

So, Charlotte, we’ve got somethin’ to really be proud of in that store! But let’s take it a step further, okay? As Belk is rapidly expanding, so is one of America’s favorite discount stores, Family Dollar, which is based … (can ya guess?)
Even some Relic readers in Oklahoma and Texas brag on those stores … and it’s a privilege to give ‘em some background on their headquarters, as well as Charlotte itself!

While Wal-Mart® apparently has forgotten what its founder, Sam Walton, had said about quality, price and customer service, Belk and Family Dollar put it into practice every day!

But, then, this is Charlotte! We’re used to bein’ that way …