The economic slowdown affects family-run, local businesses as much as it shakes publicly traded companies. A pair of long-time retailers announced closings this week:
- Bixler's Jewelers, in Easton, Pa., after 223 years in business
- Zim's, craft supplier in Salt Lake City, Ut., after 62 years
- And a public company, Harold's Clothing, which has operated since 1948 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Nov. 7. The chain will be closing all stores and liquidating assets.
