Bealls celebrates 100 years in stores with in-store April specials
BRADENTON -- Bealls are ringing across Florida as the Bradenton-based department store celebrates its 100-year anniversary throughout the month of April.
On the store's Facebook page, a bright blue banner declares, "if it's Tuesday, it's #BeallsDay." Tuesdays in April will offer in-store promotions and online discounts to Florida customers in its 73 statewide department stores and outlet stores. All Bealls department stores will open early at 8 a.m. on April 14.
The weekly spread of discounts and perks, the company says, is "our way of showing you that we're listening."
The discounts "also serve as a launching pad for anniversary incentives designed to benefit customers throughout 2015, the company's entire anniversary year," Bealls states.
Since the store opened its first set of doors in April 1915, the company has remained family-owned and based in Bradenton, as documented in the Bradenton Herald's recent weeklong series on Bealls.
As a nod to its hometown, Bealls plans to erect a historical marker adjacent to the 100th anniversary commemorative mural in downtown Bradenton.
"It's important for us to learn about our history because it gives us connections to the past, which have been proven to help become people acclimated to the community, reduce vandalism and build respect for the community," said Cathy Slusser, director of historical resources for the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller.
Bill Webster, director of public and government affairs for Bealls, plans to reveal the marker at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Customers can participate in the celebration by enter
ing to win $100 gift cards each week of April on the Bealls Facebook page. Susan M. of Holiday, a city in Pasco County, won the drawing on April 7. Residents from anywhere in the United States are eligible for the drawing.
Bealls shoppers can also take advantage of scratch-in-store savings. One winner per store will win a $100 Bealls gift card, and several others will win $5 or $10 Bealls bucks. Bealls bucks have a relatively short shelf life, and Webster said eligible use dates for each Bealls buck are printed individually on each Bealls buck.
Other shoppers will scratch for the chance to win $10 off a purchase of $25 or more.
The Florida-based retail chain is also offering an additional 50 percent off of in-store clearance with a coupon. The coupons are also in Bradenton Herald weekend inserts.
Those who are 50 years "or better," as the store likes to phrase it, still receive an additional 15 percent off on Tuesdays in Bealls department stores. Bealls outlets will offer the same promotion on Mondays.
Coffee and cookies will be served to shoppers on April 14. Free coffee will be available at the department stores on Tuesdays throughout April, as well.
Beyond celebrating with loyal Bealls customers, employees will be enjoying the centennial behind the scenes with a cupcake celebration April 14-15.
And all associates from distribution centers and corporate offices will head to a Bradenton Mauraders minor league baseball game on Friday.
This story was originally published April 12, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bealls celebrates 100 years in stores with in-store April specials ."