Roses Discount Stores is a super-regional retail chain founded in 1915 by Paul Howard Rose and headquartered in Henderson, NC ... . In 1997, Variety Wholesalers, Inc. purchased Roses. Variety Wholesalers, Inc. is a family owned business that began in 1922. In 1949, John W. Pope took over his family’s “Five and Dime” stores, eventually growing them into one of the largest privately owned companies in the United States. Today Variety Wholesalers is based in Henderson, NC and John Pope’s son, Art Pope serves as chairman. Variety Wholesalers, Inc. operates nearly 380 stores throughout the Southeast, primarily comprised of the Roses and Rose Express brands. read more