Jackson Free Press

If Canadian clothing company Hudson Bay Co. acquires upscale retailer Saks Fifth Avenue for $2.9 billion, it could threaten Saks' operation center in Jackson, the Mississippi Business Journal reported recently.

That's because Hudson Bay plans to cut $100 million (Canadian) in costs. The Jackson operation center has 600 employees.

The MBJ report shows that Hudson Bay is relocating its information technology operations center from Toronto to St. Louis several months before making its bid to acquire Saks as part of a companywide consolidation effort.

The move is making Jackson-area business leaders nervous. Another concern is that Hudson Bay may not be pleased with the state of properties around the operations center on Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 80, which have deteriorated over the years and consist of a large number of pawnshops, tattoo parlors and rundown buildings.

"Why would you want to be on Highway 80 in Jackson?" Nina Holbrook, a commercial real-estate professional and director of the U.S. 80 Coalition, told the MBJ. Holbrook is frustrated with the decline of the corridor and Jackson's lack of attention to the project.

Saks spokeswoman Julia Bentley told the MBJ that whether the acquisition will bring an increase in or loss of jobs at the Jackson center will remain unknown until after the deal closes in November.

Jackson Medical Mall Opens Up

The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation hosts an open house for its new Concierge/Patient Escort Program Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. near the Center Stage of the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive).

The Concierge/Patient Escort Program complements the current transportation services the Jackson Medical Mall provides for qualified patients receiving services at the facility. The program will assist disabled and elderly patients getting to their health-care provider, improve efficiency in the patient drop-off and pick-up process, reduce liability, and improve patient safety.

The Medical Mall also added a new waiting area for patients in need of concierge services, especially dialysis and chemotherapy patients. This area will provide a relaxed environment for patients to wait for their transportation following treatment.

The open house will include an overview of the program followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the new facilities. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Shante' M. Black with the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation Customer Service Department at 601-982-8467 ext. 19 or email [email protected].

Belk Grand Reopening

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Belk flagship department store at Dogwood Festival (150 Dogwood Place, Flowood) is celebrating the store's grand reopening. The store had been closed for expansion and renovations.

The expanded 210,000-square-foot store offers an expanded assortment of designer fashions, accessories, shoes and home merchandise.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the presentation of a $5,000 check to the Highland Bluff Elementary Parents and Teachers organization. The first 300 customers receive Belk gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $500 and a mini-plush Belkie Bear.

Other grand reopening events at Belk include:

· Diva Day - Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to 2 p.m. 
The first 50 girls under age 12 to walk the red carpet in the girls' 4-16 department will receive a "Glamour Shot" photo souvenir, mini-makeovers and a feather boa.

· "Girls Night Out" — Thursday, Oct. 23, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The event features refreshments, a DJ, and prize giveaways, including a chance to win a $1,500 Belk shopping spree and an Estee Lauder makeover. Guests will receive a coupon good for 20 percent off purchases of regular and sale merchandise with limited exclusions.

· Bridal Event — Saturday, Oct. 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Brides-to-be and other customers can receive wedding gift ideas, open a registry, get makeup tips from Clinique and enjoy refreshments and prize giveaways. Attendees can register for a chance to win a pair of 1-carat round diamond stud earrings valued at $2,950 from Belk and Co. Fine Jewelers and a Clinique cosmetic gift basket valued at $200.

· Shoe Party — Thursday, Nov. 21, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Belk will highlight its latest shoe brands and styles. The event will feature entertainment, refreshments, a 20 percent discount on shoe and accessories purchases with limited exclusions, and a special gift from Estee Lauder.

For information on any of these events, call 601-919-5000.