As the announcement of massive closures looms over 99 Cents Only Stores, loyal customers are flocking to their local outlets across California to stock up on discounted items before the stores shut their doors permanently.
The company revealed plans to close approximately 371 stores across California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona, with some closures commencing as early as April 5.
California Bears Brunt of 99 Cents Only Stores Closures
The bulk of these closures, around 265 stores, are concentrated in California, where the company was originally established in 1982.
The decision has left many shoppers disheartened, with some pointing fingers at California Governor Gavin Newsom and his policies for the closures.
"I blame [Gavin] Newsom," Rick Juarez, a loyal customer of the brand, told The Los Angeles Times.
"Too many taxes, too high the minimum wage. These companies just can't compete, and so they have to close. And it's poor people like us who end up suffering," he added.
The closures have prompted a rush of "everything must go" sales in several locations, attracting customers eager to snag bargains.
The decision to wind down operations was not taken lightly by the company's Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mike Simoncic, who noted the significant challenges faced by the retail environment in recent years, as reported by Fox News.
Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demands, rising levels of shrink, persistent inflationary pressures, and other economic headwinds have collectively impacted the company's ability to sustain operations.
LA County Mobilizes Support for Displaced 99 Cents Store Workers
Local officials have expressed concern for the affected workers, with plans to provide support for displaced employees.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the county's readiness to assist affected workers with short-term aid, job training, and support in finding new employment opportunities.
"I am worried about the thousands of 99 Cents Store workers across LA County who are going to lose their jobs, but LA County is ready to help ," Hahn said in a statement. "We have a department that can step in during an event like this and help workers with not only short-term assistance to get through this difficult time, but job training and support to help them get a better job."
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