Effort underway to save SoCal's 99 Cents Only stores

As shoppers flock to area 99 Cents Only stores to stock up one last time before the doors shutter permanently, there's an effort underway to save most of the 143 locations in Southern California.

[bracita]

I hate to sound silly but I got teary eyed when they broke the news about the stores closing. I’m a retired teacher and I cannot tell you how much I spent throughout my career at this chain and also at Pic N’ Save which is now Big Lots. I bought every student in my class a Santa hat every December as part of their costume for the Winter Program. That’s about 25 students a year times at least 20 years. That’s $500.00. Not to mention the candy canes, jingle bells, wiggly eyes, and tiny red Pom poms for each student to make a Candy Cane Reindeer ornament for their tree. Plus their Christmas presents. I’d get them books to read, coloring books, and crayons. I’m sure y’all have heard this but teachers spend a LOT of money out of pocket for their students and classrooms.
Plus, there’s so many people out there who count on these stores for their survival, especially nowadays! I went to the 99 cent store a few hours ago. My cashier was telling me how they found out about the stores closing from the news! I was like Wth?! They should’ve received a phone call, email, text. Geez!!!! Plus she told me about all the stuff they were not going to get. Don’t quote me but I believe that she said that no one was getting any severance pay. I kinda figured not since the chain is going out of business. She also told me about other benefits that they were loosing out on but I didn’t understand half of the abbreviations. It’s just sad. I hope this gentleman can do something to save the chain.

[blindthief]

Low income people are hit the hardest. Many of our resources are disappearing. Fast food is unaffordable, gas prices will continue to rise, and discount stores are shutting down. They obviously want more homeless people in the streets.

[ClarVad]

You know a company is totally beloved when the rich step forward to help. This is a great story!!!

[challow]

THIS IS A LESSON TO THE PEOPLE TO STOP STEALING. WE ARE ONLY HURTING OUR SELVES DURING INFLATION.

[erch]

How about this. Put theft as higher punishment !!!

[FredZiffendorf-sbbi]

These 99 cent stores are not exclusively for poverty ridden people but are there for those who chose to be smart with their money in buying good quality.

[s_lopez]

Yessss!! Hope they succeed! I rely on my local 99 for my groceries and products

[NinaS-kmft]

I have been depressed for 3 days now, from when I first heard of the news of their closure last Thursday night. Through the years, this store has helped me so much. Hearing the news that some investors are trying to save all the stores in California has bought such joy for me. I hope they can save it. 🙏💔

[jaybee]

It would be nice if they could save all of the California locations. There are a lot of people in central California who rely on this store to make ends meet.

[nobadvibes]

I was able to raise 2 children, marry a wife during the late 1990s. WITHOUT THE 99 CENT STORE, and GOD ABOVE, I COULD NOT HAVE DONE Thank you, you helped ALOT. !!! But that was when EVERYTHING WAS 99 CENTS.

[Paradxical]

Bless him if he’s able to turn this around. Good man for making the attempt.

[comfeefort]

I don't get people who say it wasn't cheaper. Bread, Tortillas, Spices, many things were cheaper than a grocery store

[infini.tesimo]

Notice they said California only. Meaning the other states won't be saved here.

[mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

It would be a huge blessing if the store could be saved! Anything at a discount is helpful to so many in these hard times!

[noel]

There is hope to save the 99 cent stores. Mark Miller can make the deal happen. But steps must be taken to stop retail theft and prosecute criminals.

[theotheleo]

If they succeed in taking over the stores, they'll have to raise prices to stay in business. I hope they don't follow the Pik N' Save model because I found that their prices weren't bargains.

[MinusEighty]

When you steal nonstop the stores close.

[zzizahacallar]

God please save these stores. I ❤ this store so much

[alexpastor]

Thieves get more rights than law abiding citizens!!!! Thank you

[queenkaty]

I work at one in Houston I’m actually a store manager and since I got promoted I’ve religiously told them to do promotion weekends.. produce all 99 next weekend makeup all 99 next weekend electronics all 99 if these investors sought out workers to take over the new stores i will pick up and move only because I’ve come from a low income household and I support low income stores there’s nothing better than knowing you can enter a store and know you can afford merchandise ❤