The weak economy has hit some local stores really hard. Over the last few weeks companies have announced layoffs and even closings.

After weeks of liquidation sales, Linens N' Things in Panama City is finally closing for business.

Circuit City isn't far behind.

On Monday the parking lot outside Linens N' Things was empty, the doors sealed shut.

The store chain has been around more than 30 years, but has only had a home in the Panama City Call for the last three.

Unlike Linens N' Things, Circuit City is only closing select stores. On Monday employees were removing shelving from the store.

A former Circuit City employee says he's not surprised by the company's decision to down size.

"All these people that have been there for years knew all the stuff in the store knew how to sell and fired them to save money and it was too late really for a lot of these businesses, it was too late to turn it around and it took a toll on them," says Solomon Padilla.

Tracy Smith, former Panama City resident and now, a visitor says, "I think it's a hiccup and things will turn around I’m not concerned about it I think the stronger stores will make it."

The Circuit City in Panama City will officially close Wednesday, December 31, 2008.