Belk to invest $2.5 million in Blythewood distribution center

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Belk is investing $2.5 million in improvements to its Richland County distribution center during the next five years.

The private department store chain plans to upgrade its Blythewood facility, which employs between 78 and 103 people depending on the season, according to a news release from Richland County. The distribution center, located in the Carolina Pines Industrial Park, opened in 2000 and supports Belk’s network of 300 stores in 15 states.

“This investment reflects our continued commitment to the community and our confidence in Richland County’s workforce,” Belk CEO Lisa Harper said in the release.

As part of Belk’s original 2000 fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Richland County, the company committed to investing $9.2 million and creating 125 jobs by December 2005. After more than $13 million in investment and the creation of 129 jobs by that time, Richland County Council extended the agreement for 10 years, according to the county.

With the announcement of Belk’s latest investment, the council has approved an additional fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement that will last 20 years.

“Belk’s distribution center has been a fantastic employer, and County Council is pleased to assist the company as it expands its operations,” Paul Livingston, Richland County Council Chair, said in the release. “It is always satisfying to see a business thrive and choose to grow in this community.”