Belk is a department store chain founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C. It is the nation's largest family owned and operated department store company with 301 locations in 16 Southern states. The company is in the third generation of Belk family leadership. Belk stores and Belk.com offer national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, a wedding registry and home furnishings.