Dawahares Closing All Stores
Dawahares Closing All Stores Save Email Print
Posted: 11:22 PM Jul 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:24 PM Jul 4, 2008
61 comments
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It's an end of an era for Dawahares. The Lexington-based chain announced Thursday night it will be closing its 22 remaining stores.

Dawahares says it's going out of business because it can't raise the money it needs to continue operations. The 101-year-old family-owned company expects to run out of money by October.

Dawahares said it expects the liquidation to begin July 12th. This comes after the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy last month-- and closed 7 stores. Now, all its stores, including the four locations in Lexington, will be closing.

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Posted by: Holly Location: Morehead on Jul 19, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I hate to see Dawahare's closing. It is the best clothing store we have in this town.I feel really sorry for the people losing their jobs,some have worked there since they first opened.The new Super Wal-Mart has really hurt this community in alot of ways,the shopping center they were in is a ghost town now. Food-Lion and Goody's will probaly be the next to go. For all you people who think it's funny they are going out of business,wait till your company leaves.Show some compassion and respect!
Posted by: Theo Location: Brooklyn on Jul 14, 2008 at 10:42 PM
internal problems with gambling, ATF buyoffs, and gentlemans club memberships can quickly add up to big money....hence the problem.
Posted by: Mary Location: Kentucky on Jul 14, 2008 at 06:10 PM
It's sad that after 100 plus years an era is ending. Where is your compassion people? Why would you delight in seeing this family and it's employees without jobs? I just pray that each and every one of these people find work and will be successful, right down to the youngest Dawahare.
Posted by: Ross Location: Richmond on Jul 14, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Are they going to have their items marked down like the other stores when they go out of business? I am hoping to get some of there clothes cheap. I hope someone big doesn't come in and buy up everything and re-sell at a different store.
Posted by: Holly Location: Lexington on Jul 14, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Dawahares is high-end??? Are you all serious?
Posted by: sometime shopper Location: hazard on Jul 14, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I never shop there much myself but my daughter buys most of her jeans there & I have bought other family and friends gifts there its cost a bit more for some of their items but they seem to last alot longer than the stuff you buy at Walmart & the dollar store .I don't agree that their stuff is junk , they do tend to go after the younger market . I wish them and their employees the best .I know several of them at the Hazard location and they are fine young men & women and always friendly and helpful .
Posted by: asdf Location: asdf on Jul 13, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Karma ftw. This is what happends when you vote for Bush and support War. Small companies falls and big corp get all the tax breaks. Keep voting for the Republicans, and this is what you get. KARMA.
Posted by: Employee Location: S. Williamson KY on Jul 11, 2008 at 06:52 PM
It saddens me to see our store closing and it really disturbs me that there are so many inconsiderate people out there who are only thinking of themselves and when is the BIG SALE. All those who are being so negative are the exact one who will be the first ones thru the doors. I have never enter any Dawahares store and not been greeted by someone. The entire Dawahares family has been wonderful to me and my children. Working for them for many years has been a pleasure for me and I would gladly work for them again. When you work for them you become part of their family and are treated with utmost respect. It hurts me to see so many great employees with many years of experience loose their jobs. Any company that hires any of these people are getting hard working, dedicated, loyal employees. I love my job at Dawahares and I love my extended family at the Southside Location. I say, "Thank You to Dawahares for bringing us high quality merchandise at reasonable prices."
Posted by: too many bosses Location: Southern KY on Jul 11, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Most family run companies fall apart in the third generation. Too many bosses. As more and more familiy members come into the business the management level becomes to big and burdensome. From one man to a bunch of brothers to cousins - it was doomed - I worked for them 20 years ago and the brothers were already walking all over each other and making conflicting decisions. I doubt it got better with time.
Posted by: mitch smith Location: hazard on Jul 11, 2008 at 01:25 AM
I always liked to go shopping there because they had very nice clothing. The employees that always helped me was very polite and cared for there customer. I hate to see the store close because all of the employees that worked there will be without jobs. But some times i guess theres no way around it so good luck to all.
Posted by: Danny Location: whitesburg on Jul 9, 2008 at 10:54 PM
I wonder if they will try to re-open in another name. I sure hope so! I spend at least $900.00 at christmas there every year I will truely miss haveing nice things from a nice store with nice people. Every time I walked in that store I always got a "hello, how are you today sir?." I will miss that, you don't get that kind of service any where else. They are truely A great group of Employees! I will miss Dawahares!
Posted by: Employee Location: pike county on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:39 PM
it is a shame to think that some ppl are so inconsiderate to our feelings that all they want to complain about is the pricing. Do you ppl even care that there i are 400 employees out of a job by fall? Would you like to feed me and my family or pay my bills? You could at least show some compassion when you do come in the stores and not gloat or snicker! The pricing may not be what you think they should be but neither is buying a car, a house or for that fact health insurance. The ppl working here are like my extended family and it hurts when ppl like you want to say we are snobs, high prices or whatever. Just remember, we are nice and friendly to you when you shop so atleast try to be nice to us and HAVE SOME COMPASSION!!!!!
Posted by: Carol Location: LETCHER COUNTY on Jul 9, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I think that is a shame that the Dawahares' stores are closing,especially the one in Whitesburg.All the girls there are so sweet and always helpful.Thea and Danielle are so sweet and they always play with my grandchildren when they are with me.I don't know what the city will do without this clothing store.I wish all the girls the best of luck in everything they do-you all will be truly missed.I also think that everyone that is happy about these stores closing must really live a sad life.
Posted by: Malissa Location: Whitesburg on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I really hate to see our Dawahares close. I have been shopping there since I was a small child.Now we are left with almost nothing in downtown Whitesburg. I wish the employees luck in finding other jobs.Thanks Rhonda for being such a good manager and for giving my daughter a job when she was in college. It really helped her. We will miss you all.
Posted by: mandy Location: whitesburg,ky on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:54 PM
i think it is a shame that the store is closing, but im glad the one in whitesburg is closing. the employees there were always rude to most customers unless you are a bis wig in the community. I always spent plenty of money in there and never got a hello or anything else good said to me. I would go the one in hazard were they were good to their customers
Posted by: Bob Location: Paducah, KY on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:02 PM
To those who say the economy had nothing to do with Dawahares closing wake up. Maybe you guys are a little better off than some of us. When the average family has to start spending 60 to 80 dollars on gas a week it does impact their buying habits. Let's not forget the cost of food is increasing as well. Plus with min. wage increasing inflation is only going to get worse. People who are just getting by and make to much to receive a pay hike due to min. wage are really going to struggle. I don't know what mall eastern is shopping at, but at our mall you can take 20 seconds to find parking place, shake hands with the 20 people who may be shopping in the 20 stores that have yet to close down in a once prosperous mall. I work retail, if you don't spend 35 to 40 hours a week in the public and hear what the consumers have to say or witness first hand how a business is doing, your working with second hand knowledge to come up with an assumption to push your agendas. We all know what happens when you assume you know what your talking about.
Posted by: Joey Location: Lex on Jul 8, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Does everybody on here have ADD? How did this go from a store closing to "my political party is better than yours?" The biggest loss here are the people who won't have a place to work anymore. There are stores I don't like but I'm not going to sit here and say "great, they are closing." I just don't shop there but some people do and it creates paychecks for those who work there. Sorry to see them go but hopefully some other store will take their place so more jobs can be created. Politics? Pleeeeeeeeze!
Posted by: RS Location: Lexington on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:50 AM
You can't blame democrats for Dawahares closing. They are closing during the BUSH ADMINISTRATION, not the CLINTON.
Posted by: #1shopper Location: whitesburg on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I feel very sorry for the associates at our Dawahares. They were so sweet to everyone. All they do is get 100 phone calls a day asking the about when the big sale is!-And makeing fun, that they are closing...But I will tell you this If it wasn't for them girls paying out tax's as well as I and my husband, you people wouldn't even been out shopping and crowding up wal-mart on the first of every month. If you people had jobs you wouldn't just laugh and be disrespectful!! I Love Dawahares, and for the rest of the people who said the were to high priced?? are you kidding-There prices started at $1.99 Have you walked in the Doors?? I recently bought all kinds of tanks for $5.99-You can not find good quality shirts at that price any where! no not at wal-mart, or even the dollar store...So don't be so disrespectful! Thats the only nice place We have ever had in Whitesburg! So just back off....I love Dawahares, and the associates!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: liberals are stupid morons they really are on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Yea to forever a democrat thug go thank you liberals thats running the house and senate for sitting there on their thumbs and i wont say where they are you guys are destroying the economy on purpose you nuts do not care as long as you get your little power back thats all clowns.
Posted by: steve on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Yea gettochip you need to go back and watch your Micheal Moore propaganda movie you live in lala land not reality.
Posted by: Chris Location: Lexington on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:46 PM
I grew up with Dawahares in Letcher Co as it was originally started. To those arrogant liberals on here bashing the company shame on you. It was a clothing staple for a century and you say you are glad it's closing because a UK sweatshirt costs $22? I bet you all the negative comments on here are from liberals supporting obama. Get a heart and grasps some knowledge.
Posted by: To Forever Democrat on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:01 PM
You should look at your own party. Clinton let Bin Laden go and look what we had to pay for: thousands of innocent lives. I think that you are just taking word of your democrat leaders because like everyone else your opinion is already made up for you.
Posted by: Julie Location: Winchester on Jul 7, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Dawahares is outrageous people. With the shape our economy is in right now, no-one can afford to shop there. I loved the store, dont get me wrong. I wouldn't buy anything though unless it was on clearance, but when it was, it was really cheap, but only then. The sales associates were always friendly to me, even when my kids were running crazy in the store. I just hate it for the employee's. More people without jobs. I wonder what is next!!!
Posted by: Eastern Location: Kentucky on Jul 7, 2008 at 11:32 AM
For nine years, I have shopped for my suits at Dawahares...I always felt welcomed and always received great customer service. If you think Dawahares stuff was overpriced look at the China Garbage Walmart pushes! Anything nice or kewl design they copy for 1/4 of the price, and of course the artist always buy on price not quality! A Tommy Hilfiger shirt lasts for years, a Walmart shirt will last until its washed! All the Dawahares customers are very sad and feel really bad about the closing.....By the way the Economy is as strong as you think it is, go to the mall and look around and hunt for 20 minutes for a parking spot and then wait in line for 20 minutes at Starbuck for get a coffee...people are still buying products and spending money!
Posted by: CT Location: KY on Jul 7, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I say goodbye!! I don't see why people are on here blaming everybody else for Dawahares closing. The blame should go on the company itself. I use to work for them and they do not treat their employees very well and I can also say they do not treat customers very well. When you walk into a store and can not get one person to say hi to you or greet you in anyway!! The best a few stores employees can do is give you a turned up nose. I can also agree with the pricing, when they are having a "BIG" sale, go a couple days after the sale is over and get a better deal!!!
Posted by: ky gurl on Jul 7, 2008 at 04:28 AM
i have worked for dawahares foe a few years now an all the negative ppl u dont have any idea what u r talkin about.we have a great staff u r really nice to all our customers because they come first an our prices r not high if u go to some of the other stores u will see that we have a great deal on most of our clothing...some of u have probably never even shopped in our stores so dont judge us. i just want to say thank u to all the great customers ive had i have made friends with most and to all the employees may everthing work out in ur favor remember GOD never shuts one door without opening another.to the dawahare family im really sorry this had to happen i will keep everyone in my prayers....GOD bless
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:11 AM
For all you stupid ppl out there that think that its good that Dawahares is closing ur stupid..and if u dont like the prices DONT shop there. It is very sad that all those employees that there losing there jobs,and a family owned business going down the drain. You have no idea what its like to have to work in retail and ppl coming in acting like there better.. get a life and stop talkin about others!!
Posted by: ghettochip Location: richmond on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Maggie in Knott Co. - Wal-Mart is evil. Watch the documentary, "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices" and see how Wal-Mart really treats employees. You are being spied upon. If anyone mentions UNION, then private jets are flown in from corporate to expel the person from the premises. Wal-Mart supports human traffiking. Wal-Mart recommends employees seek public assistance because they do not want to pay the employees' benefits. Wal-Mart understaffs stores to get more money for the corporation. Employees gave 5 million to charities in 2005. The Walton family gave 6,000 dollars to charities in 2005.
Posted by: Employee Location: Whitesburg on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I have worked for the DAWAHARES family for over 6 years and no one could ever treat their employees better.I think that it is really sad how people can say that they are glad that a business(any business)is having to close their doors.Dawahares never tried to cheat anyone especially their customers.The prices were always very reasonable and the people who didn't think so are the ones that never came through the doors.My customers are the best people anyone could ever know and I will miss them dearly.I have two children that depend on me working so next time the ones of you that want to cheer about our doors closing and me and my co-workers being out of a job,I would think twice because you never when your job will come to an end,that is if you have a job in the first place.
Posted by: KentuckyGuy Location: Bluegrass on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:32 PM
My UK apparel shop is called the Goodwill Store. That's where I get nearly new UK stuff for $2 that you Dawahares shoppers paid $22 for.
Posted by: maggie Location: knott co on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Everyone wants to blame WalMart when something goes bad,I have worked for walmart for 18yrs., I am paid a good wage, and you know why, one word dedication, you have to stay with a job in order to make a decent living, you cannot expect to get hired without a college degree and make $20 right off the bat.My health insurance cost only $9.50 a paycheck, that is unheard of. I am really feel sorry for the Dawahare associates, but I know of a really great co. that you can work for, Wal-Mart. So please stop blaming Wal-Mart when a business closes, we work very hard at making a difference in peoples lives, cust omers as well as associates.
Posted by: William Location: seky on Jul 6, 2008 at 06:44 AM
look at the bright side more yard sales I love yard sales I have been poverty stricken all my life people don't need all them cloths I got two pair of shoes $15 black basic shoe from Dollar store and unsed pair of dress shoe.s for Church and funerals and my wife made me buy a pair of flip flops said my feet need to breath for $20 I almost fell over I wish i had took them back to walmart and got my $20 back if a man has a coat for winter and two good pair of comfortable pants and some t shirts and few sweaters and socks few pair of underwear that is all he needs if that don't make him pretty he must be ugly. we need money for food and medicine not cloths so what if Doghairs went out of business cloths is not important and tell the kids at school to tell class mates they are not rich so deal with there Albert Einstein look hip hop is dead and the $100 shoes that went with it no bling just rotten cottons is the look this fall got to have peanut butter money and pay gas bill.
Posted by: Forever Democrat Location: Pikeville on Jul 6, 2008 at 01:42 AM
Our Dawahares store was really great. The people were nice and stuff wasn't too highly priced. Jeff is the nicest guy ever and would do anything for you. I hope he and the others find jobs quickly. As for Negative Nancy (liberals are stupid morons), I think you should let the smoke out of your ears that the Republicans have been blowing up your ***. Our Great Grandkids will be paying off this Bush debt. It will take decades to recover from what he did in 8 years. Is Mr. Bush sharing some of that Saudi money with you? Really man, wake up. He's the worst President since Hoover.
Posted by: Don Location: KY on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:48 PM
You are the stupid Idiot not Liberals. Get your stupid head out of the sand and look aeound you. Dollar is weak, oil out of sight, people loosing their homes. Like Harry Truman said the buck stops her that is at teh selected president who went AWOL. Did not support the troops in Vietnam still does not support the troops today. That includes most of his cabinet and Cheney was a draft dodger. Why does the Necon Republicans want WAR all the time. They are the worst Terorist in the world. Most of them are to chicken to put a uniform on and carry a gun. But they want to send other people to do the fighting for them. While they stand back brag about it.
Posted by: Employee Location: pike county on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:44 PM
you people have no clue about what you are talking about dawahares is nothing but quality yeah name brands such as ralph lauren ,estee lauder, tommy, and lucky all come at a price but that price is set by the vendors not by us. and as for you a sale is defined as an agreement (or contract) in which property is transferred from the seller (vendor) to the buyer (vendee) for a fixed price in money (paid or agreed to be paid by the buyer)so all of you uneducated idiots can shut up and as for employees being snobby go to a Ralph Lauren and see how tall you come out feeling. I love dawahares they have taken in over 400 people and made us feel like family. And I know there is not another job out there where everyone is so tight and good friends I don't know if it is like that at all the stores but it certainly is at mine!!!!!!!
Posted by: j Location: FLOYD on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:25 PM
It is sad no matter whos fault it is. The original mr. Dawahare came into this area, with a pack of goods on his back and made a great thing for his family, for a great many years. Now like a lot of other good things it is gone forever. Good luck to the people and the family who owned the busisness. I have been there before, and I know how it feels to watch everything go down.
Posted by: Ohmy Location: KY on Jul 5, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I say good riddance!! They were promoting the illegal alien Mexican bus to make daily deliveries in their Gardenside parking lot. They have promoted our illegal alien invasion. They deserve to lose their business, just as many hard-working Americans have lost their jobs. My only hope is that the Gardenside shopping center doesn't get any more run down than it already is.
Posted by: c Location: hazard on Jul 5, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Dawahares has always been a great place to shop in Eastern Kentucky and it will truly be missed. As far as being overpriced, hardly so. They have had great sales for years. They have always treated their employees and customers with care and concern. In fact, at our Hazard Dawahares ther is an employee who just celebrated her 50 years of working for that store! I think that is exceptional and she and all the family and employees will be missed in a huge way!
Posted by: S Location: Lexington on Jul 5, 2008 at 03:49 PM
I feel the same way that many of you do. Dawahares sales cheap clothes for a ridiculous amount of money. And it seems that no matter what Dawahares I go in the associates are snobby and think they are too good to help someone. Also, the going out of business sale is a joke. There are still cheaply made shirts that are $30 to $40 in there. How is that in any way a sale? So, I am very happy to see the store closing.
Posted by: liberals are stupid morons Location: sqaush liberals ky on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Yea Yea blame bush for every thing you stupid liberal communist thugs they were to high always has been you libs need to go get you a cup of coffee at star bucks oops they went under or maybe get you a news paper at the New York times oops they are laying off or all the liberal news on TV oh man they are really laying off darn i hate that.
Posted by: ..... Location: Kentucky on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Are you all serious that you consider Dawahares "High priced"???? Try any other store in the mall and tell me who is more expensive. They did their best to keep those stores alive in a crappy economy. End of story.
Posted by: K Location: Lexington on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I feel that the stores closing has nothing to do with the economy. it has to do with the fact that the stores are junk and I never ubderstood why people shopped there in the first place
Posted by: William Location: seky on Jul 5, 2008 at 03:40 AM
I always shop at second hand stores myself pity about the workers who lost jobs, how they gonna pay the bills@home?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:19 PM
FYI- the so called "sale" isn't much of one, when I went items were more expensive now than they were before they decided to close. And the sale items ring up for more than the mark down price and the cashiers like to arguecwith you about it! When it clearly says on the ticket what the sale price is! No wonder they are going out of buisiness!!!
Posted by: Anthony Location: Lexington on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Don't be naive; Dawahare's has ALWAYS charged too much for too little. In a Bush economy this was inevitable.
Posted by: Sheena Location: Virginia Beach, VA on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Amazing how you pick and choose what comments to post. It's your station, guess you have that right.
Posted by: Mad Location: Ky on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Thank the oil companies. Thank high Kentucky taxes.
Posted by: Jim Location: every where USA on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:44 PM
I do hate to hear that all the stores are closing. I purchased about all my suits there. I know that they weren't top shelf but they are of decent quality and reasonable priced. Big industries strikes again.
Posted by: Heather Location: KY on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:05 PM
I am sorry to hear this, for the workers of these stores, and for the family. I am sure it pains the family to see their legacy end like this. They have given alot to this state.
Posted by: Shanna Location: bell on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:03 PM
They to high to shop at. Come down on your prices. You really think that with all the prices going up that someone is going shop for high priced clothes? NO there not they got more things to do with there money these days. And you can't waste it on the little things like a high priced shirt. Just because a company wants to make a high dollar off one item. These kids that are spoiled get over it and shop at walmart. Just because you buy high priced clothes dont make you no better than the rest of us.
Posted by: A. Location: Stearns, KY on Jul 4, 2008 at 01:32 PM
This was my UK apparel headquarters, they were really cheap on the prices...and now we have to pay top-price for their stuff from the athletics site now. I'm sad about this.
Posted by: emcd Location: central, ky on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Thank you for years of service. May you rebound in a different way.
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Don't blame NAFTA and Walmart. Blame it on their over priced junk.
Posted by: Sheena Location: Virginia Beach on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:39 AM
nafta and wal mart - that's just too funny! If Dawhares had reasonable prices (and polite sales people) maybe they would have more customers and not had to file bankruptcy. Good riddens!
Posted by: sc Location: richmond on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:35 AM
i hate to hear that but with the economy the way it is and it doesn't look like its going to get any better. expect other stores to follow. everything is going up except our paychecks. who has the money to go shopping anymore, all my money goes to GAS!!!!
Posted by: steve Location: irvine on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:21 AM
No this is what supposed to happen if you cant compete you need to go out of business they will be something else open up. you people are the most negative people i have ever seen doom and gloom end of the world sounds like true liberalism at its finest.Just like the economy who"s talking it down stop and THINK!!!
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Businesses like people run their course.
Posted by: Douglas Location: Lex on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Big Government and Big Business are selling us out and getting rich at our expense.
Posted by: Debbie Location: Lexington on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Walmat had nothing to do with the closing they don't sell the same high priced cloths as they do. People cannot afford to shop at high end store anymore.
Posted by: pc Location: harlan on Jul 3, 2008 at 11:31 PM
thanks to nafta and wal mart
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