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With Gottschalks closure, town's only department store disappears

Kristin Berquist

(Updated: Thursday, July 02, 2009, 12:00 AM)

Oakhurst's only department store, Gottschalks, closed its doors Sunday, leaving local shoppers with a sense of loss.

"We're sad to see it go," said Marlena and Julie Hebern, a mother and daughter from Mariposa. Hebern said she'll miss having a place to make quick purchases for last-minute occasions. "Now we don't have that option," she said.

Willard Gibson said his wife enjoyed shopping at the store and will definitely miss it.

"It's sad. It will hurt the area," Gibson said.

Empty racks, shelves and makeup counters were all that was left in the store on Monday as employees worked to clean out the building.

"Losing the Gottschalks store as one of the anchor tenants in the Raley's center is a major blow to Oakhurst," said Don DeBernardi, president of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce.

With Gottschalks out of business, DeBernardi said there are no major clothing retailers nearby, meaning more local dollars will head to Fresno and Madera.

"The Chamber is committed to doing its part to locate another business that would suit the needs and desires of our community," DeBernardi said.

Supervisor Tom Wheeler said he was in the store on Saturday, scooping up some last-minute deals.

"It's a big hit for eastern Madera County," Wheeler said. "I hope we find someone to take over the lease and provide those services."

Kathy McCorry, executive director for the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber distributed a survey at the last town hall meeting asking the public for suggestions on how to fill the empty location.

The Chamber sent letters to Kohl's, TJ Maxx, JC Penneys, Marshalls and Ross to see if there was any interest in doing businesses in Oakhurst.

So far there has been no response, McCorry said.

Privately owned boutiques and thrift shops give local consumers some options, McCorry said, but for department store shopping mountain-area residents will now have to make the trip to Fresno.

Josie Courreges was a frequent shopper at the local Gottschalks and said the community needs a department store with quality garments.

Hilde Prindle said that without Gottschalks in Oakhurst there is no alternative for purchasing linens and home goods.

"I'm sorry they're leaving, but it's a done deal," she said. "It'd be nice if another department store came in."