The past few months have been rather hectic for Bealls store manager Jennifer Hermanns.
The department store stayed open during remodeling and expansion into the space next door, which had been occupied by the Family Dollar Store, gutted by fire in May of 2013.
In the past few months, the store, at 2216 E. Main St. in Cortez, more than doubled its space, to about 22,000 square feet, Hermanns said.
"We've added a lot," she said. "And now there is room to move about."
The store also has proudly added Clinique and Estee Lauder.
Hermanns and the rest of the Bealls staff were excited for the grand opening of the expanded store on Thursday. Customers got discounts and free tote bags. Hermanns was grateful to all the customers who were patient during the expansion and remodel.
"The customers have been so supportive and so understanding," Hermanns said. "At times, it seemed like a treasure hunt in here."
The shoe department is significantly larger, and there is a home department that sells bedding and other home items. The clothing department is much larger as well.
"We've expanded in every department," Hermanns said.
Customers on Thursday seemed pleased with the changes, stating that it is nice to have such a nice store in Cortez.