"99 Cents Only Stores to Close All 400 Locations Nationwide Amid Bankruptcy Consideration"

California-based 99 Cents Only Stores is closing all 371 of its outlets after 42 years, citing struggles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in consumer demand, inflation, and rising levels of product theft. The decision comes after Dollar Tree announced the closure of 1,000 stores last month. The chain, founded by Dave Gold in 1982, initially sold most items at 99 cents but faced challenges in maintaining this pricing model in recent years.