Belk and Ralph Lauren Corporation Join Forces in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Belk and Ralph Lauren Corporation have unveiled a partnership focused on increasing breast cancer awareness. As a key component of the partnership, Ralph Lauren's "Lauren Pink" capsule collection will include a new sneaker to be sold exclusively in Belk stores and on www.belk.com to benefit the Belk Women's Health Fund established at Foundation for the Carolinas, which funds the Belk Mobile Mammography Center (BMMC) program. The BMMC provides screening mammograms to women across the Southeast with clinical services provided by Charlotte Radiology.

The Ralph Lauren partnership brings fresh support to an existing program important to Belk, and offers a stylish way for customers to aid the cause. The lace-up sneaker is available in three colors – pink, black and white. This exclusive shoe is a new addition to Ralph Lauren's Lauren Pink capsule, which launched in Fall 2010 with a focus on creating awareness for breast cancer research during the month of October. The capsule is offered in the Fall at Belk and 10 percent of the purchase price of each Lauren Pink item sold will benefit Belk Women's Health Fund.

Since its launch in 2013, the BMMC has visited more than 170 Belk stores across the southeast and has screened more than 6,000 women. All screening exams and results are provided by Charlotte Radiology's licensed mammography-certified technologists and board-certified radiologists, who specialize in breast imaging. Twenty-nine women have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The mobile mammography center has been redesigned to feature the new Lauren shoe image. The shoe will also be promoted at walks throughout Belk markets and in-store advertising; it will also be worn by BMMC staffers.

"Belk has a long-standing relationship with Ralph Lauren Corporation and a steadfast commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer," said Jon Pollack, Belk's executive vice president of marketing, sales promotion and eCommerce. "Through this partnership, we can create even more awareness about the importance of early detection and screening."

The Lauren Pink shoe and line are available for purchase in stores now. Customers can also visit the Lauren Pink shop on www.belk.com to purchase products.

About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the nation's largest family owned and operated department store company with 299 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states and a growing digital presence.  Its belk.com website offers a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home. Founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., the company is in the third generation of Belk family leadership and has been committed to community involvement since its inception. In the fiscal year ended Feb. 1, 2014, the company and its associates, customers and vendors donated more than $20.9 million to communities within Belk market areas.

Belk offers many ways to connect via digital and social media, including Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, Google Plus and Belk Blog, and provides exclusive offers, fashion updates, sales notifications and coupons via email or mobile phone text messages. Customers can also download the latest Belk mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or Android.

About Ralph Lauren Corporation
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 47 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names—which include Polo Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, Chaps and Club Monaco—are among the most widely recognized consumer brands worldwide. For more information, go to http://investor.ralphlauren.com.

About Charlotte Radiology
Established in Charlotte, N.C. in 1967, Charlotte Radiology is one of the largest and most progressive radiology groups in the country with approximately 90 radiologists specialized in areas ranging from breast imaging to pediatric radiology. Accredited by the American College of Radiology, certified by the FDA and recognized as a Breast Center of Excellence, Charlotte Radiology is a national advocate for breast health awareness, collaborating with community partners and foundations to educate women about the importance of early breast cancer detection.  Learn more online at www.charlotteradiology.com. To connect with Charlotte Radiology via Facebook, go to: www.facebook.com/CharlotteRadiology.

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SOURCE Belk, Inc.