BOISE -- A business that's been in Boise for decadesis closing its doors in just a few weeks.
Michael's Furniture Showplace is in foreclosure and the store is clearing out merchandise.
It's the most recent store in the Treasure Valley to announce its pending closure.
It's a month that has already seen many stores closing up shop, like the Macy's in downtown Boise is closing and the Sam's Club in Nampa.
KTVB has also learned five stores in the Boise Towne Square Mall are locking up too.
But the closure of Michael's hits home for many who worry: if this popular local business cannot survive, who can?
As shoppers looked around Michael Furniture's showroom, owner Marty Goffinaccepted their well wishes.
To have the people come in and be so gracious, has been, that's been healing as you go through the process, Goffin said.
The process will last another two months. Then the locally-owned, family-owned furniture store will close.
Michael's Furniture has been in Boise since the 60s, but it was the last decade that brought its downfall.
Competition from big box retailers, the economy and the inability to refinance now when profits are at their lowest gave Goffin no other option.
The whole time I really thought we would pull through, Goffin said. I thought we needed to refinance the building and that kind of was the catalyst of the going out of business, not getting the building refinanced created the final chapter.
At its peak, Michael's Furniture had10 stores and 135 employees in the Treasure Valley.
Now, the store is down to one building and 15 people on the payroll.
It's really sad to me, said Dave Cunningham,a customer at the store. They are a great store, great people.
Cunningham has been shopping at Michael's for decades. Sunday, hepurchased a bed.
Nothing against the big furniture companies, Cunningham said. I know that they're good too, but I hate to see the small guy leave this market. It's kind of getting to the point where there is only going to be a few furniture stores left and I don't like to see that.
Goffin said his store will live on through customers.
I've had a lot of people come in and say, 'I've got a Michael's Furniture Showplace in my house, Goffin said. I'm not going away. I'm going tohave to reinvent myself. I'm born and raised here,so I'll be here.
There is no set date on the store's final day of business, but it must be closed by the end of March.
The building is now up for sale.
Michael's Furniture was opened up by Marty Goffin's father, Michael.
