NATCHEZ &045; Transactions have been completed between Belk Inc. and McRae’s department stores, but shoppers at the Natchez Mall store should not look for big changes right away, said Mary Flach, Natchez store manager.

&uot;We’re Belk now, and we’re excited about it,&uot; Flach said. &uot;I’ve been in Charlotte (N.C.) to learn about this fine company. We heard 33 speakers in a day and a half; that tells you something about the energy of the company.&uot;

Sign changes probably will not come until March 2006, Flach said. However, by Christmas season, shoppers may see some slight changes in merchandise. She believes customers will be pleased.

Belk, with headquarters in Charlotte, is the largest privately owned department store company in the United States. The recent acquisition for $622 million of 47 Proffitt’s and McRae’s stores in 11 southeastern states will boost the total Belk store numbers to 275 in 14 states.

Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of the company founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk, said Belk will offer continued employment to all Proffitt’s and McRae’s sales associates.

&uot;This is an excellent strategic fit that gives us a leading market position in Tennessee and Mississippi and a stronger presence in nine other states,&uot; Belk said in a written statement. &uot;Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth integration of these stores and building a strong foundation for future growth and success.&uot;

Shoppers may not see it, but the Natchez McRae’s employees are busy behind the scenes. &uot;The customer will not feel the stress of change,&uot; Flach said. &uot;But there’s a lot of training going on.&uot;

In addition to traveling to the company headquarters, Flach also recently visited the Belk store in Lafayette, La. &uot;I went there to study the ways the company handles its inventory,&uot; she said. &uot;Lafayette is the store closest to us.&uot;

One thing she was happy to learn

is that Belk, like McRae’s, has a senior day, a day set aside when older shoppers receive discounts on purchases.

&uot;This was one exciting thing to me,&uot; she said. &uot;They do have a senior day, but it may be approached a little differently.&uot;

Tim Belk said the focus in the near future will be on &uot;ensuring a smooth integration of these stores and building a strong foundation for future growth and success.&uot;

Flach repeated her confidence in the company and the warm reception she thinks Natchez will give Belk.

&uot;It’s a great company. They’re wonderful merchants, good business people. And I can tell you this &045; they are very community minded,&uot; she said.