The economic downturn is hitting local stores especially hard. Saddest among those affected are the decades-old establishments suddenly facing bankruptcy or liquidation. Recent news affects a pair of stores in the midwest with particularly long histories:
- In Wisconsin, Conkey's Bookstore is closing for good. The store is 113 years old and on its fifth owner. While the store is beloved in town, the loss of a college textbook contract to Barnes & Noble was a fatal blow to its profits.
- Out in Minnesota, Schneiderman's flagship is closing after 40 years in business. The Duluth location has outperformed the one in Meadowland, which is liquidating its inventory.
