by Jim Morrison

News Editor

 VINTON — Although employees at the Vinton ALCO store knew closure  loomed as a possibility, the decision on Thursday, when it became a reality, the shock set in.

 On Friday morning 198 stores in the ALCO chain began going out of business sales.

 Roger Hartman, who has worked at the Vinton ALCO Store for six years, said even though they knew the possibility of closure, employees were shocked when the decision became final.

 “We knew we were having a little bit of trouble money wise as a company,” said Hartman. “But we kind of thought we would get out of it.”

 ALCO had filed for bankruptcy in the past and survived, said Hartman.

 “We were shocked — a lot of us were,” said Hartman. “We knew we were in a little bit of trouble, but we thought we would get out of it. We figured either a buyer would come in or something. We’d get another loan to help sustain the company but that didn’t happen.

 ”It shocked all of us.”

Verdonn Lefevere, Vinton ALCO manager, said. The store had outstanding sales and foot traffic over the weekend.

 Discounts ranging from five to 30 percent can be found throughout the store. Lefevere said additional discounts will be determined by the liquidation company.

 “All I know is that we are supposed to be out of business on Jan. 31 or sooner,” said Lefevere.

 If sales in Vinton are not as strong as other stores, merchandise could be moved from here to other locations, said Lefevere. The reverse could happen if sales are strong in Vinton.

 Customers might not want to want for additional discounts on merchandise, according to Lefevere.

 “You don’t know what is going to come in but it is going to be the slower moving stuff from the other stores,” said Lefevere.

Read the rest of the story in the Vinton Eagle.