The grqnd opening and ribbon cutting for Bealls Department Store occurred Thursday. Store manager Bethany Hayes, with scissors, prepares to cut the ribbon with Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. to her left, and Natalie Parrish, executive director of the Fallon Chamber of Commerce, to her right. Other chamber members included, second from left, Ava Case, Grant Mills, Doug Drost and Laurel Jackson.
After years of having a variety of clothing stores for the entire family, Fallon shoppers are now in paradise as Bealls Department Store had its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Thursday.
“We’re a general clothing store with merchandise for men, women, juniors, children, home décor,” said store manager Bethany Hayes, who managed the Winnemucca store before relocating to Fallon. “People tell us we remind them of Kohl’s with great sales and coupons.”
Bealls (pronounced bells) has now opened 219 stores nationally and the third in Nevada. The Fallon store is located at 920 W. Williams Ave. A Big 5 Sporting Goods store is also scheduled to a tenant in the old Walmart building. According to Hayes, the Fallon store will employ a staff of 37, most of whom live in Churchill County. Hayes said Bealls’ plan is to open seven stores in smaller communities.
“It’s been a great, huge response with people calling,” Hayes said.
Prior to the grand opening, she said Bealls had a “Family and Friends Night” and a “VIP Night” both heavily attended.
Hayes said Bealls features recognized brands and styles.
B. J. Bessert, Bealls’ district manager from Texas, shared in Hayes’ enthusiasm
“I am very excited, and it’s a great opportunity for us,” he said. “It’s all about small towns. Fallon will be a good fit for us.”
He also said the two special nights this week exceeded his expectations.
Natalie Parrish, executive director of the Fallon Chamber of Commerce, said finding the time to shop at Bealls is on her “to do” list.
“We have options in Fallon, and hopefully this is incentive for our resident to stay here and shop …. and to keep the tax dollars here.
There will be a live radio remote today with KVLV AM radio 980 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., with giveaways for the entire family.
Shoppers can register to win a $500 shopping spree and other prizes throughout the grand opening weekend. Customers will find a 20 percent off shopping pass online or in the Lahontan Valley News to use on all purchases during the grand opening celebration through Sunday.