The operators of the 99 Cents Solely shops introduced Thursday they may shut down all 371 of the places all through 4 states, with liquidation gross sales beginning Friday. 

“This was a particularly tough choice and isn’t the end result we anticipated or hoped to attain,” interim firm CEO Mike Simoncic stated in an announcement. “Sadly, the final a number of years have introduced important and lasting challenges within the retail atmosphere, together with the unprecedented affect of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting client demand, rising ranges of shrink, persistent inflationary pressures and different macroeconomic headwinds, all of which have significantly hindered the corporate’s means to function.

“We deeply respect the devoted workers, clients, companions, and communities who’ve collectively supported 99 Cents Solely Shops for many years.”

The transfer will affect all firm places in California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The operators are based mostly in Commerce. 

Friday, many purchasers in Santa Ana have been getting last-minute objects earlier than the shop there shut down for good. 

“Inflation has been excessive,” stated Julie Ann Mckenzie, a client. “In order that’s why I store right here. And it’s near house.” 

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn stated she would introduce a movement throughout Tuesday’s board assembly asking for a report on methods the county can present assist for displaced employees from the chain.

“I’m frightened concerning the 1000’s of 99 Cents Retailer employees throughout L.A. County who’re going to lose their jobs, however L.A. County is able to assist,” Hahn stated in an announcement Friday. “We have now a division that may step in throughout an occasion like this and assist employees with not solely short-term help to get by means of this tough time, however job coaching and assist to assist them get a greater job.”

In response to the corporate, it has partnered with Hilco Actual Property to facilitate the liquidation of all merchandise, together with “sure fixtures, furnishings and gear on the firm’s shops.”

Firm officers stated they conferred with monetary and authorized advisers in hopes of discovering a method to proceed working.

“Following months of actively pursuing these options, the corporate in the end decided that an orderly wind-down was essential and one of the best ways to maximise the worth of 99 Cents Solely Shops’ property,” based on an organization assertion.

The 99 Cents Solely shops have been based in 1982.