MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. Inc. says it's shutting a lighting and ceiling fan distribution center in North Carolina at the end of the year and laying off the warehouse's 82 employees.

A spokeswoman for the Mooresville-based home important chain said Tuesday that Lowe's is closing the facility because the company's regional distribution centers are better able to ship lighting fixtures and ceiling fans to stores across the country.

Employees at the warehouse in Stokesdale, about 14 miles northwest of Greensboro, were notified of the closure earlier this month.

Lowe's shares climbed 87 cents, or 6.3 percent, to $14.55 in midday trading Tuesday amid a broader market rally.