‘Everything has to go!’ say the banners at bankrupt 99 Cents Only Stores as it sells off its remaining stock.
And it is true that as shoppers, many loyal customers supporting their favorite store and others popping in for a bargain are clearing the shelves.
The West Coast brand – which has stores in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada – announced last week that all 371 stores would close, although it did not provide a timeline for the closures.
In the meantime, local officials are rallying efforts to save the hundreds of workers affected by the decision.
Furious customers blame Gavin Newsom, the governor of California – a state that accounts for 265 of the stores – for high taxes and minimum wages that store bosses cannot afford.
Loyal shoppers are flocking to 99 Cents Only stores as the chain prepares to wind down its operations. Pictured: A store in Torrance at 5130 W 190th Street this week
Shopper Andre Montoya told Fox 5 San Diego, “It’s a great place, so it’s kind of disturbing.” Pictured: Shoppers scoring last-minute bargains at a Redondo Beach store this week
The West Coast brand – which has stores in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada – announced last week that all 371 stores would close, although it did not provide a timeline for the closures. In the photo: the first 99 Cents store ever opened on La Tijera Boulevard
DailyMail.com visited several stores in California, many of which displayed “store closing sale” signs. Pictured: a 99 Cents Only on W Pico Boulevard
Many shelves appeared to be completely stripped of all their products, while a freezer was also completely empty. Pictured: A store on West Pico Boulevard in LA
DailyMail.com visited stores across California this week — accounting for 265 of the stores — and found them with “store closing sale” signs.
Shoppers were seen lining up in droves with shopping carts filled with discount items.
Many shelves appeared to be completely stripped of all their products, while a freezer was also completely empty.
Other stores had signs that read, “Everything must go!”
While discussing the closure of 99 Cents when he went to the Santa Ana store in California to buy batteries, longtime customer Rick Juarez, 53, told the LA times: ‘I accuse [Gavin] Nieuwsom. Too many taxes, too high minimum wage. These companies simply cannot compete and that is why they have to close.
TikTok users also took to the video-sharing app to lament the store’s closure
“And it’s poor people like us who ultimately suffer.”
Likewise, 38-year-old Victor Barrios told the outlet, “This needs to stay open.
‘I make good money and buying here helps me. But imagine you’re up and running [special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children] WIC?
‘If you are on social security? You need a place like that. Should people go to Ralphs now? Or purpose? With what money?’
Shopper Andre Montoya told Fox 5 San Diego, “It’s a great place, so it’s kind of disturbing.”
Montoya bought “everything they have,” adding, “It’s a one-stop shop for me.”
Fellow fan Don Burt said, “I’m very disappointed.”
DailyMail.com visited several stores in California, many of which displayed “store closing sale” signs.
Shoppers were seen lining up in droves with shopping carts filled with discount items.
Many shelves appeared to be completely stripped of all their products, while a freezer was also completely empty.
Other stores had signs that read, “Everything must go!”
Earlier this week it was reported that Mark Miller, CEO of Pic ‘N’ Save Bargains, is hoping to save around half of the stores, but a deal is yet to be struck. Pictured: An empty freezer at 11040 West Pico Boulevard in LA
Fan Don Burt said, “I’m very disappointed.” Pictured: A store in Redondo Beach
Founded in 1982, 99 Cents Only developed a cult reputation among bargain hunters for selling all of its items – including television sets – for just 99 cents. Pictured: A store in Torrance
Shopper Victor Barrios said: ‘This needs to stay open. I make good money and buying here helps me.’ Pictured: a store in Torrance
Founded in 1982, 99 Cents Only developed a cult reputation among bargain hunters for selling all of its items – including television sets – for just 99 cents.
In explaining the rationale for the closures, interim CEO Mike Simoncic cited the “unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demand, deepening contraction and persistent inflationary pressures.”
Retailers use the term “shrink” to refer to the value of merchandise that is lost or stolen in the store.
Earlier this week it was reported that Mark Miller, CEO of Pic ‘N’ Save Bargains, is hoping to save around half of the stores, but a deal is yet to be struck.
While all chains have been hit by inflation – which rose to 3.5 percent in March – budget brands are hardest hit due to their already tight margins.
Rival retailer Dollar Tree recently announced plans to close nearly 1,000 stores while raising its price cap.
While all chains have been hit by inflation – which rose to 3.5 percent in March – budget brands are hardest hit due to their already tight margins. Pictured: A store in Torrance
In explaining the rationale for the closures, interim CEO Mike Simoncic cited the “unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demand, deepening contraction and persistent inflationary pressures.” Pictured: A store in Torrance
It comes at a time when local politicians are showing their support for affected workers, who are now facing unemployment. Pictured: A store in Torrance
Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker has called for a rapid response team to help workers with unemployment benefits and job placement. Pictured: A store in Torrance
It comes at a time when local politicians are showing their support for affected workers, who are now facing unemployment.
Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker has requested a rapid response team to help workers with unemployment benefits and job placement.
Similarly, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn plans to introduce a motion to explore how the county can help displaced workers with short-term assistance, job training and support in finding new employment.
“I am concerned about the thousands of 99 Cents Store employees in LA County who will lose their jobs, but LA County stands ready to help,” Hahn said in a statement.