Burke's Outlet plans to open location in Danville

A national outlet chain plans to open a store in Danville in time for holiday shoppers.

Burke’s Outlet is targeting the 35,000-square-foot space previously occupied by the Peddler’s Mall in Danville Manor Shopping Center on the bypass. Company spokesman Bill Webster said the store, which sells clothing, accessories and home furnishings, likely will have a soft opening in late October.

The store expects to employ a combination of 24 full-time and part-time employees.

Webster said Burke’s Outlet stores are comparable to T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s, which offer a variety of brand name men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and decor, usually at lower prices than department stores. He said the store is able to offer popular labels for less money because representatives are constantly traveling in search of close-out deals from companies.

Burke’s also has a private label of its own it sells in its stores.

The Bradenton, Fla., company — it’s stores are known as Bealls Outlet in Florida, Georgia and Arizona — has locations in 17 states now. Webster said many of the stores have gone into locations once occupied by Goody’s, a chain that closed down in Danville before reopening last year in Danville Manor. Kentucky has been a big part of Burke’s expansion, with stores either open in or planned for Somerset, London, Campbellsville, Winchester and Mount Sterling, among other locations.

“I think we’ll bring something new to the table,” Webster said. “We’ve been growing very fast in Kentucky. Our prices are competitive with the big box stores, but you will find some brand names in our stores you can’t find in some of the bigger ones.”

Webster said Burke’s will offer regular deals for both senior citizens and non-seniors on a weekly basis. The Monday Club offers people over 50 years old a 15-percent discount on anything in the store, while the same deal is offered for shoppers under 50 on Fridays.

Jody Lassiter, president and chief executive officer of the Danville-Boyle County Economic Development Partnership, said Burke’s is another step toward his goal of introducing more shopping choices and a larger variety to the market area.

The store originally looked at locating near the Liquor Barn in Ridgefield Shopping Center on the bypass, Lassiter said. The lease for the Peddler’s Mall was not renewed, and Burke’s thought Danville Manor, leased by BC Wood Properties, was a better fit.

Lassiter is aware people want more a wider range of retail options in Danville. While he understands why people are clamoring for more possibilities closer to home, he said landing some department stores frequently mentioned by residents, such as Target and Kohl’s, is not realistic in the local market.

“Our market, our demographics and our disposable income are just not sufficient for a Target,” Lassiter said. “They generally locate in or around major metropolitan areas and sometimes in the suburban areas outlying those cities. Suffice it to say Target is not coming to Danville.”

Kohl’s had similar requirements, Lassiter said, but had been considering a smaller scale retail concept. However, the idea was apparently shelved during the down economy. Lassiter hopes bringing in chains like Burke’s while also encouraging smaller boutique-type businesses will help keep more shoppers and their money closer to home.

“I think Burke’s will be a great addition for what has become a very active shopping center,” Lassiter said.

SO YOU KNOW

Those interested in a job with Burke’s Outlet can find listings for positions online at Monster.com or can pick up job applications at other Burke’s stores.