Old and local stores

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 central Pennsylvania, Good's Furniture and Flooring is closing all its furniture stores, with liquidation sales just underway. Good's dates to 1959 and is under second-generation management.
  
• Olender Mattress in Schenectady, N.Y., which traces its history to 1902, has to close one of its three locations. "This is nothing new for us," says the store's owner, noting the chainlet survived the Great Depression and other economic crises.
• Eighty-year-old Peerless Furniture in Michigan is closing its two stores. Peerless, which began as a mattress manufacturer in 1924, calls its decision "responsible."
• In Massachusetts, Lebow Men's and Boy's Clothing is closing after 81 years. The store, which prided itself on its personalized service, has been unprofitable for some time.