Lexington retail changes: Stores closing at The Summit, Fayette Mall
Changes are coming to Lexington’s retail landscape: Stores are closing at both The Summit at Fritz Farm and at Fayette Mall.
Draper James, the Southern-influenced clothing and lifestyle brand created by actor Reese Witherspoon, announced to customers that its store at The Summit at Fritz Farm will close Feb. 23.
In an email titled, “We’ll Miss You, Lexington!” the store said they will have items in the store 40% off this weekend. “Thank you so much for all your support these last 7 years,” the email said. “We’ve so loved being a part of the Lexington community.”
Draper James was one of the original tenants of the high-end shopping center on the corner of Nicholasville Road and Man o’ War Boulevard, just down the road from Fayette Mall. The store opened at The Summit opened in 2017.
A spokesman for The Summit did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what new tenant might be moving in.
Store closing in Fayette Mall
Meanwhile, fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 is packing up at Fayette Mall. The store has signs posted saying that a closure is imminent with all items marked down an additional 10%.
According to published reports, the chain is seeking a buyer but may be forced into a second bankruptcy.
“At this time, the store does not have a closure date even though they have sale/closing signs posted,” said Sarah Robinson, spokeswoman for Fayette Mall. “Our leasing team is always working to bring the best new retail to Fayette Mall, and if Forever 21 does indeed close their Fayette Mall location, then we will certainly be working to have something exciting lined up soon.”
Forever 21 opened in late 2011 after a Facebook group created an online petition to bring the trendy, inexpensive store to town.
The chain also has Kentucky locations in Louisville and Florence.
