Belk Will Close Waco Store in January 2027

The retailer plans to exit its location as Hobby Lobby prepares to move into the site at 2700 W. Loop 340.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a large suburban retail building, depicting a commercial real estate transition between two major retailers. — Retailer Belk will permanently close its location at 2700 W. Loop 340 in Waco in January 2027, with Hobby Lobby planning to occupy the space. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Belk is set to permanently close its store located at 2700 W. Loop 340 in Waco on January 8, 2027. Following the closure, Hobby Lobby will relocate its existing operations from 1200 Richland Drive into the vacated retail space.

Why it matters

The transition marks a significant shift for the Central Texas Marketplace, as Hobby Lobby secures a long-term position in the area. This relocation allows the craft retailer to expand its local presence into a space spanning nearly 100,000 square feet.

Hobby Lobby has committed to a 10-year primary lease for the 96,240-square-foot facility. The agreement includes three additional options to extend the term for five-year periods each.

The players

Belk

Belk is a regional department store chain operating numerous locations across the Southern United States.

Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby is a national retail chain specializing in arts, crafts, and home decor products.

City of Waco

The City of Waco is the municipal authority responsible for issuing building permits and overseeing local commercial development.

The details

Hobby Lobby finalized its move by executing a Memorandum of Lease that was officially filed in McLennan County. While the space is currently occupied by Belk, future remodeling efforts are anticipated pending the approval of city permits.

July 8, 2026: Hobby Lobby signed the lease agreement for the new retail space.
September 18, 2026: The Memorandum of Lease for the location was executed.
October 5, 2026: The Memorandum of Lease was officially filed in McLennan County.
January 8, 2027: The Belk store at 2700 W. Loop 340 will permanently close.

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Market Landscape

This transition reflects a broader trend of retail repositioning within the Central Texas Marketplace. By securing a 10-year term, Hobby Lobby strengthens its competitive footprint while filling a large vacancy left by a departing department store chain.

Shoppers in Waco can expect a change in store availability at 2700 W. Loop 340 starting in early 2027. Customers should plan for the eventual relocation of Hobby Lobby services as the company moves to its new, larger facility.

The takeaway

The closure of the current Belk location signals a major reorganization of anchor tenants within the local retail corridor. Residents should anticipate future construction activity at the site once building permits are approved and remodeling projects begin.