Pat Belbeck has seen her employer through more than 24 years of changes.
On Saturday, the Perry resident was once again on hand to see Macy's open its doors at Meridian Mall with a burst of confetti and hundreds of eager customers waiting outside.
Belbeck was one of five longtime employees of the department store, which was originally Hudson's, then Marshall Field's and now Macy's.
Together, the employees cut the ribbon at the grand opening. Combined, the five have more than 123 years with the store.
"It's fresh and exciting. … The people and changes are what kept me here," Belbeck said. "Change is good."
MSU human biology junior Brittany Hicks was first in line when the store officially opened at 9 a.m.
Hicks waited in line for an hour and 20 minutes for a $10 gift certificate, which was promised to the first 500 customers.
"It's just more elegant than other stores," Hicks said.
No longer than 15 minutes after the doors opened, the winner of a $1,000 gift card was announced.
Laura and Blaine Schultz, and their daughter Rachel, were the lucky winners.
The Okemos residents and frequent shoppers of the store were more than surprised when they received their gift.
"I'm excited," said Rachel, who was almost speechless. "I'm just gonna shop like crazy."
Macy's, located where Marshall Field's used to be in the Meridian Mall, has changed more than just the name.
Other new features include wider aisles, price scanners for customers and 15 new brands, ranging from clothing to housewares.
The grand opening event was held nationwide at about 400 stores. Macy's is now the largest department store in the United States.
At the Meridian Mall location, the store was decorated with black, red and white star balloons, and the waiting customers were given free star-shaped doughnuts with red sprinkles.
The Meridian Community Band was on hand in the parking lot, keeping attendees awake and excited.
Lansing resident Daphne Joyce arrived at the store at about 7:50 a.m. and was surprised to find there were not many people there.
She was about 10th in line.
But an hour later, about 150 to 200 people were wrapped around the building waiting to enter.
