In an era where Texarkana has seen retail businesses that did business in the city for decades struggle against changing times and technology, Dillard's has bucked that trend, not only maintaining its location at Central Mall, but completing a major remodeling, signaling its confidence in Texarkana as well as its long-term commitment.
Dillard's, which remained open during the process, will hold a ribbon-cutting and all-day open house at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
"We've added over 40 thousand square feet to our front," said Mary Staten, store manager. "Plus, we've completed a top to bottom interior remodeling."
"We want everyone to come out and see what we've done," Staten said. "We think you will all like it."
This project lets everyone know the Dillard family is still committed to Texarkana, said Julie Bell, corporate information officer.
"Dillard's goes a long way back with this town, with one of our very first stores going up in the historical downtown district. We wanted to do right by one of our oldest markets and put our best foot forward for our Texarkana customers."
The new store in combination with dillards.com is part of the Dillards's strategy in competing in the evolving retail world.
"It is all about one-stop shopping," Bell said. "We have so many great brands here and have taken on several more besides in our new space."
Customers checking out the reconfigured store will see a full-scale comprehensive redesign. Bell says that store redesign is not unusual, but this particular design was a special move for Dillard's in Texarkana.
"We try every day to give our customers what they want," Bell said. "High-profile brands, support brands with exceptional service. We want to give our customers even more reasons to come to our Dillard's every day. In combination with dillards.com, we are enhancing the experience for all our customers."