BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Closeout retailer FWS Home Furnishings appears to have closed its doors here for good, saying in a recorded message that it was a victim of the tough economy.
The telephone message at the retailer's main location on Elmwood Avenue told customers Thursday that its assets have been turned over to a secured creditor, who is in the process of hiring an agent to "manage the closing." Customers with outstanding orders are directed to leave their name, phone number and order number so the agent can be in touch.
"Due to difficult economic conditions and a decline in the home furnishings sales industry in western New York, FWS is no longer in business," the recording said.
On its website FWS lists three stores - in Buffalo, Williamsville, and Orchard Park, N.Y. - but a report on the closing by The Buffalo News said the company was operating two stores, the 100,000-square-foot Buffalo location and the 50,000-square-foot Clarence/Williamsville-area store.
The closing will bring an end to the 50-year-old business. In 2010, the retailer changed hands when John Grimaldi, a former Raymour & Flanigan executive, and John Wanat, who worked at various time for both Raymour and FWS, acquired the business from Jim Nisbet and Rick Zakalik.
