Legendary auto retailer’s abrupt closure leaves people dumbfounded after staff told to clock out halfway through day

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A LEGENDARY auto retailer has temporarily closed all of its locations, leaving confused staff terrified about staying afloat.

U.S. Auto Sales abruptly shuttered dozens of dealerships throughout the Southeast as retailers face increasing economic pressures.

U.S. Auto Sales has abruptly shuttered all of its locations throughout the SoutheastCredit: US Auto Sales

The Georgia-based car dealer wrote on its website that the company plans to reopen the 39 locations soon, but employees said they’ve been left in the dark.

“I busted out on Monday with two cars already sold, one on layaway, and I’m like okay, this is gonna be a good week,” Te’ona Bol, an employee of U.S. Auto Sales told local NBC affiliate WXIA-TV.

But just moments later, she was suddenly asked to leave.

“I got an email saying clock out immediately,” she said.

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“All locations are going to be closed and I didn’t have any answers. I was just told to clock out and leave.”

Another employee told the outlet that no details have been provided regarding pay or severance amid the anxiety-inducing limbo.

“I’m wondering, you know, for the next steps, how am I gonna handle these bills because I have a car note, I pay rent, all of that. So it’s pretty upsetting,” said Jullian Woodard.

Woodard did admit that he noticed signs of decline ahead of the shocking announcement.

“I kind of saw the trajectory of the company a little bit. They started laying people off around March if I’m not mistaken, so when I saw that I was like this might be a problem,” he said.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to U.S. Auto Sales for more information on the closures.

The shocking shutdowns come after a legendary auto parts retailer is still to close all of its stores after 75 years.

RETAILERS SHUTTERING

The store closure comes as brick-and-mortar locations have struggled to operate amid the rise of online sales.

Some experts have dubbed this trend as the “retail apocalypse.”

And it’s been affecting long-time retailers in addition to Knecht’s.

Another is Lowell Holloway Furniture in Longview, Texas.

While no exact shutdown date has been provided, shoppers in the area can take advantage of sales worth up to 70 percent off until Monday.

Also, Herman Brothers in Lyons, New York, has decided to close after 78 years.

This is due to age and a lack of family members wanting to run the business.

But perhaps the biggest news comes from Bed Bath & Beyond, which has filed for bankruptcy after more than 50 years in business.

All 360 locations, as well as 120 buybuy Baby stores, are set to shut down by June 30 unless the company can find a buyer in the next couple of months.