Liquidation now

The beginning of Gottschalk' end is under way at the chain's San Bernardino store. Having declared bankruptcy, Gottschalks is selling off its remaining inventory.

Numerous red and yellow signs proclaim that Gottschalks is in the process of selling off its remaining inventory, but only a few shoppers were in the San Bernardino store when this reporter walked through on Wednesday afternoon.

Most of the merchandise I saw was being sold at a 20 percent discount. But it seemed as if any other discounts were canceled, so clothing wasn't being sold at extremely cheap prices. It reminded me of Circuit City's going out of business sale, when customers weren't finding that prices were slashed while in-demand products were still on the shelves.

If you're lucky enough to have any spending money after paying your taxes, winter coats were being sold at 60 percent off.