Store conversion begins with liquidation

A liquidation sale will begin the final phase of renovation plans that introduce the retailer Shopko to this area.

Based in Green Bay, Wis., the company merged with Pamida earlier this year and will be remodeling and rebranding its stores in Hodgenville, Munfordville and Brandenburg later this year. The stores will become Shopko Hometown, a smaller version of the retailers’ discount stores designed for smaller communities.

Tara Powers, a spokeswoman for the company, said the firm wants to fill “a void in the retail landscape.”

She said Shopko Hometown will carry about 70 percent of the best-selling items at Shopko's full-line stores and provide convenience for customers who otherwise must travel 20 minutes or more for many routine shopping needs. The store will carry national brands and private label items including apparel, home furnishings, toys, consumer electronics and seasonal items, a news release said.

Renovations will begin after a 12-week liquidation sale, which begins Sept. 9. Completing the building transformation will take five to six weeks but Powers said the stores will be closed seven days or less.

As soon as the first department is set up, the store will reopen while other work continues, the company said. The pharmacy will not close during construction and will serve customers through its drive-up window.

Local stores should be fully converted and operational before Christmas.