WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A major retail shift is heading to Central Texas Marketplace as department store Belk prepares to shut its doors early next year, making way for Hobby Lobby to take over the space.

The Belk store at 2700 W. Loop 340 is scheduled to permanently close Jan. 8, 2027, according to an on-site store manager.

The manager confirmed the closing date but referred all additional questions to corporate headquarters.