As of this Monday, June 16th, Saks Fifth Avenue has officially vacated Galleria Dallas. The move ends a run of some 30-plus years here in Big D for the New York-based luxury retailer. A bittersweet departure, this leaves only Off 5th outlet locations representing Saks in this region. It makes way, however, for a multi-million dollar debut.     Back in January, we reported the news that, upon Saks’ exit, an extensive overhaul of the three-story, 170,000 square foot space would begin. When complete in spring 2014, it will welcome Belk’s first flagship store in the Southwest.  

Read: Galleria Dallas To Lose Saks Fifth Avenue, Gain Belk Flagship

As the largest family owned and operated fleet of department stores in the nation, Belk offers mid-priced apparel and accessories, as well as home goods, shoes, and children’s clothing. Together with Galleria Dallas, the brand will invest some $20 million in renovations to the former Saks space. Work will commence very soon.   In related news, we learned last week that Dallas-based Lucy Dang has been named one of eight winners of Belk’s Southern Designer Showcase 2013. Her Lady by Lucy Dang line will hit Belk.com and 40 Belk flagship stores (including Galleria Dallas) next spring as well. Here’s to a fond farewell and a new beginning at Galleria Dallas!     Lead image credit Activerian.com; Belk exterior image via Flickr.com.