DANVILLE, Va. (AP) - The Dan River Outlet in Danville is closing its doors today -- a sure sign of the continuing decline of Virginia's textile industry.
The store has long been a destination for bargain hunters seeking discount Dan River Mills discontinued and overstocked bedding, curtains, towels, fabric and accessories.
Dan River Mills at one time employed roughly 12,000 people in Danville. That number is now in the hundreds, and the company has closed all its mills. The remaining workers distribute products made overseas.
Next door, Schoolfield Lunch is bracing for another blow to its business. The restaurant used to be open around the clock for hungry millworkers, now it is only open for breakfast and lunch.
Owner Bill Kirios says his father opened Schoolfield Lunch in 1914, and he hopes they can stay open without the extra business from outlet store customers.
