When Robert Florence became the manager of Goody's Family Clothing, Inc.,743 E. State St., in August, he was concerned because the company
was emerging from bankruptcy protection.
These concerns were validated when the company, based in Tennessee, recently announced it was closing the doors of all 282 stores across20 states after more than50 years of business.
The continuation of the downturn in consumer spending and the tightening of credit sources left the company with no alternative but to cease operations, according to a news release.
It is the recession that basically caused the downfall of the company
Florence said. They simply ran out of money.
Most merchandise is currently 40 to 60 percent off, with some items reaching 80 percent, Florence said, adding that the store is only accepting cash and credit cards and all sales are final.
The Gordon Brothers Group, a restructuring and investment firm specializing in retail and consumer products and Hilco Merchant Resources, which offers strategic services for retailers, are in control of the going-out-of-business sales, according to the release.
The Athens store is closing within a few months, but Florence is doubtful that anything will take the spot of the store because there is already a large, vacant area next to the Dollar General Store, he said.
Despite the store's closing, Florence is not worried about the future.
God provides all my needs. He helped me find this job he said.
Florence said the manager of Bath & Body Works, located in The Market on State, came to the store to recruit potential employees, which he found reassuring.
The one thing I have learned through this experience is the compassion of the community he said.
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Emilie Schneider
