Major new retailer coming to Lexington Green, replacing Whole Foods

Total Wine, a chain of large wine, spirits and beer, party supplies and fancy food, is moving into the Lexington Green space where Whole Foods used to be.

The company, which started in Delaware in 1991, is the country’s largest independent retailer of wine, with more than 173 stores in 21 states. A typical store carries more than 8,000 wines, 2,500 beers and more than 3,000 spirits, according to its website.

The stores also host classes and tastings.

Comment from Total Wine was not immediately available. The company, which has a store in the Paddock Shops in Louisville, is applying for a retail liquor license in the name of Kentucky Fine Wines & Spirits LLC for the store at 161 Lexington Green Circle.

“We’re extremely excited to have them come into the market,” said Scott Davidson, president of Langley Properties, which owns Lexington Green. “With today’s changing retail environment, we feel they’ll be a great retailer for the Nicholasville Road corridor.”

With more shopping moving online, Davidson said, it seemed a smart move to look beyond clothing for a retailer to replace the grocery.

Total Wine has leased 27,000 square feet, all of which was occupied by Whole Foods, which moved to The Summit at Fritz Farm in June, Davidson said.

Renovations on the space began in November.

According to the building permit filed with the city, construction is expected to cost about $900,000.

Total Wine plans to open in the spring, Davidson said.

Lexington Green has vacancies, he said, including the former Tony Roma’s Steakhouse restaurant space. Tony Roma’s closed in 2012.

This story was originally published December 7, 2017 at 9:23 AM with the headline "Major new retailer coming to Lexington Green, replacing Whole Foods."