Family scion takes over leadership at prominent retailer

BRADENTON — Matt Beall has been named president of Bradenton-based Bealls Stores Inc.

Beall began his retail career at Ross Stores and joined his family business in 2004 at an entry-level buying position, according to a press release. During the past 14 years, he held several leadership roles within Bealls Stores, Bealls Outlet Stores and Bealls Inc., including buying, planning, logistics, finance and store operations.

Most recently, Beall was senior vice president-chief merchandising officer of Beall’s Stores. He also had responsibility for marketing, exclusive brands and planning and allocation, the release adds. 

Matt Beall is the great-grandson of Bealls founder Robert M. Beall who started the company in 1915.

“Matt is the fourth in a succession of amazing executives from the Beall family that have led our company to thrive and prosper for more than 100 years," says Bealls Inc. CEO Steve Knopik in the statement. "Matt is extremely bright, intensely competitive and an innovative and out-of-the-box thinker. He is deeply committed to the long-term success of the business."

Bealls Inc. is a family-owned corporation that operates more than 550 stores in 16 states under the names of Bealls, Bealls Outlet, Burkes Outlet, Home Centric and Bunulu.