I know I'm late to the party, but Dolls?????

Even with all the competition and the economy, I'm actually surprised Doll's has suffered enough to close. It serves a niche market, for sure, and I guess that clientele has branched out, but I'm still surprised.

I used to work in the shopping strip there and wandered over to get a hot lunch almost every day.

Burger's Market is probably in a similar precarious situation. I used to like going in to get a turkey bacon club in their deli. Of course the key words in my case are "used to", but it's not because Burger's did anything wrong.

It's all disconcerting.

Several years ago, a co-worker said that Doll's was closing. When I hear about something closing, I avoid the place. I don't know why. I guess to get it out of my system; one last place to be tempted by. Anyway, I was surprised to find out that they weren't closing a few months after that. Don't know why that rumor was started but that might have been the beginning of the end also.

I have to agree with the service issues at Dolls. Even though it is my go to grocery (and I always try to eat, buy local), I almost always leave there a bit miffed. They used to have ancient scanners which were only recently updated. That was only a problem for me because nearly every item that is on sale that I have purchased never scans the sale price. And then they are always mad to honor the correct price. They have never allowed me to use any coupons. That being said. I always begin my shopping trip with Dolls (and Pauls) and pick up what I can't get at Kroger.

I also heard there have been lingering rental issues that may have contributed to the closing. (And not chains).

[Robin Garr]

I also heard there have been lingering rental issues that may have contributed to the closing. (And not chains).

Connected in any way to the Bauer's/Azalea property owners who were ready to grab the fast buck and tear down that building for a Walgreen's? Just wondering ...

I wonder how this will affect the Walgreens that was supposed to go in behind the old was Azelea's building? I was wondering about that recently because the deal was made quite a while ago but nothing has yet happened. Maybe they knew this was coming and waited for a better location?

Kroger isn't really all that cheap, IMO. Guess Aldi has me spoiled.

One thing I don't understand though is why Trader Joe's name even enters the discussion of why Doll's is closing. It was even mentioned as an aside in a news story I heard yesterday...I can't remember which channel I was watching at the time though. Trader Joe's isn't even open yet! How can they even be 1% to blame for taking business away when they aren't even open? I know people aren't placing huge amounts of blame on them, but really I'm not even sure why it should be mentioned at this point, if Doll's is closing before the first dollar is exchanged at TJ's.

As my husband put it yesterday, that would be like saying, "OMG I'm about to get a competitor that isn't even open yet...we'd better go out of business now!"

Anyway, I think those who are mentioning economic pressures are correct. Walmart keeps getting busier and busier and people are even complaining about Kroger's prices. Coupon deals aren't as good now either. Everyone is feeling the pinch. It's difficult for a higher priced store to stay alive in this type of economic climate and stand up against stores that are lower priced, when people are really pinching every penny.

I hate to see a local go out of business too. The economy is hurting the big guys too though...Borders, anyone?

Let me first say that I loved Doll's for certain things, mainly good produce & excellent fresh chicken. Their high pricing in general kept me from buying all items there, but I did get quite a bit from them for a very long time. Kroger then stepped up their game & their produce improved greatly a few years ago & I no longer needed to make my weekly stop at Doll's for those items.

I think there is a general feeling on this forum that all chains are nasty entities that do little or nothing for the local community. I guarantee you that Kroger creates hundreds of good paying local jobs with good benefits. They also give a tremendous amount for the local community with support for many charities & public events. Doll's was great, but in the end they got beat in this lovely game we all support called free enterprise. If their sales began to decline, they were obviously not creating the necessary value in the customer's mind to keep them coming. If their remodeling created way too much debt, then some risky business decisions ended up going the wrong way.

This is ultimately a sad event, but I am not going to blame every chain in the city of Louisville with venom in my breath.

Not sure if you've ever had the chicken salad at The Cheddar Box in Chenoweth Square, but as the owner, I can guarantee you that ours is really good. We cook over 100 pounds of fresh chicken everyday. I'd love for you to try some.

Actually, that plan was for Rite Aid and they have already pulled out for their own reasons. I kinda think it may have been the other way around, Dolls may have been hanging on in hopes that deal came together and boosted traffic in that spot. Hate to see Doll's go, it was our go to place as we could easily walk or ride our bikes there, and did often

Nancy - I have had your chicken salad at the Cheddar Box and it is indeed delicious!

I think the Bauer family still owns all of that property including the parcel Doll's is on. Agree with the earlier post...... this is what RiteAid or Walgreen's has been waiting for. Doll's was in decline long before the Fresh Market came along. I shopped Doll's maybe once a month for some specialty items and I never received very friendly service in there. The meat counter and the 'old section' of the store was always very dimly lit and not very 'inviting'.

Don't understand the service issues. I have always loved the employees and service. A few years ago,I thought I was having a stroke at Doll's. I couldn't walk, my heart was racing....they took me and my belongings to the back and helped me until I was stabilized. I will never forget the kindness of all the people there. I am going to miss them very much.

Robin,

I didn't want to start a false rumor but I always heard that Dolls struggled to actually pay their rent. But that could be the story going around if people would rather see something else in that location.

***disclaimer- I have no idea if the above is true. Just the story I was told.

And a Walgreens across the street from the Rite-Aid? What a waste!