The economic downturn is hitting local stores especially hard. Saddest among those affected are the decades-old establishments, many involved in housing and home goods, suddenly facing bankruptcy or liquidation.
Some recent changes of note:
- In Canton, Ohio, 85-year-old Art's Diamond Jewelers closed on Valentine's Day. Art's had 10 locations not long ago but the slowly declining business reached an end in the recession.
- Dearborn, Mich.: local booster Adray Appliance is closing after more than 50 years as a local presence. The owners are mulling options, including reopening in a smaller space, and refuse to call this "going out of business."
- Worcester, Mass. is saying farewell to 136-year-old M. Steinert and Sons. The piano dealer has two other locations in Massachusetts.
- And in Port Washington, N.Y., on the north shore of Long Island, the historic Knickerbocker Yacht Club has closed and put itself up for sale. Declining membership has hurt the club, which has a strong reputation in the sailing community.
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