Die-hard 99 Cents Only shoppers flood stores in California and strip shelves bare - as budget brand is forced to close for good

'Everything must go!' say the banners at bankrupt 99 Cents Only Stores as it sells off its remaining stock.

And it is - as shoppers, many loyal customers supporting their favorite store and others rushing in for a bargain, clear the shelves. 

The West Coast brand - which has shops in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada - announced last week that all 371 stores would shutter though it did not give a timeline for the closures. 

In the meantime, local officials are rallying attempts to save the hundreds of workers affected by the decision. 

Furious customers blame Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California - a state that accounts for 265 of the shops - for high taxes and a minimum wages that store bosses cannot afford to pay.

Loyal shoppers are flooding to 99 Cents Only stores as the chain prepares to wind down its operations. Pictured: a store in Torrance at 5130 W 190th Street this week

Shopper Andre Montoya told Fox 5 San Diego: 'It's a great place, so it's kind of upsetting.' Pictured: shoppers scooping up last minute bargains at a store in Redondo Beach this week

The West Coast brand - which has shops in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada - announced last week that all 371 stores would shutter though it did not give a timeline for the closures. Pictured: the first 99 Cents store ever opened at La Tijera Boulevard

DailyMail.com visited several stores across California, many of which were plastered in 'store closing sale' signs. Pictured: a 99 Cents Only in W Pico Boulevard 

Many shelves appeared totally cleared of all their produce while a freezer was also completely empty. Pictured: a store in West Pico Boulevard in LA

DailyMail.com this week visited stores across California - which accounts for 265 of the shops - and found them plastered in 'store closing sale' signs.

Shoppers were seen lining up in their droves with shopping trolleys filled with discount goods. 

Many shelves appeared totally cleared of all their produce while a freezer was also completely empty.

Other stores had signs which read: 'Everything must go!' 

Discussing 99 Cents' closure as he went to the Santa Ana store in California to buy batteries, long-time customer Rick Juarez, 53, told the LA Times: 'I blame [Gavin] Newsom. Too many taxes, too high the minimum wage. These companies just can't compete, and so they have to close.

TikTok users also took to the video sharing app to lament the closure of the store

'And it's poor people like us who end up suffering.'

Similarly, 38-year-old Victor Barrios told the outlet: 'This needs to stay open. 

'I make OK money and buying here helps me. But imagine if you're on [special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children] WIC? 

'If you’re on Social Security? You need a place like this. Are people now supposed to go to Ralphs? Or Target? With what money?'   

Shopper Andre Montoya told Fox 5 San Diego: 'It's a great place, so it's kind of upsetting.'

Montoya bought 'every and anything they have,' adding 'it's a one-stop shop for me.'

Fellow fan Don Burt said: 'I'm very disappointed.' 

DailyMail.com visited several stores across California, many of which were plastered in 'store closing sale' signs.

Shoppers were seen lining up in their droves with shopping trolleys filled with discount goods. 

Many shelves appeared totally cleared of all their produce while a freezer was also completely empty.

Other stores had signs which read: 'Everything must go!' 

Earlier this week it was reported that Pic 'N' Save Bargains CEO Mark Miller is hoping to save around half of the stores - but a deal has yet to be struck. Pictured: an empty freezer in 11040 West Pico Boulevard in LA

Fan Don Burt said: 'I'm very disappointed.' Pictured: a store in Redondo Beach 

99 Cents Only was founded in 1982 and developed a cult reputation among bargain-hunters for selling all of its items - including television sets - for just 99 cents. Pictured: a store in Torrance

Shopper Victor Barrios said: 'This needs to stay open. I make OK money and buying here helps me.' Pictured: a store in Torrance

99 Cents Only was founded in 1982 and developed a cult reputation among bargain-hunters for selling all of its items - including television sets - for just 99 cents.

Explaining the reason for the closures, interim CEO Mike Simoncic cited the 'unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demand, rising levels of shrink and persistent inflationary pressures.'

Retailers use the term 'shrink' to refer to the value of goods that are lost or stolen in store.

Earlier this week it was reported that Pic 'N' Save Bargains CEO Mark Miller is hoping to save around half of the stores - but a deal has yet to be struck.

While all chains have been hit by inflation - which rose to 3.5 percent in March - budget brands are worst affected due to their already tight margins. 

Rival retailer Dollar Tree recently announced plans to shutter nearly 1,000 stores while also raising its price cap.

While all chains have been hit by inflation - which rose to 3.5 percent in March - budget brands are worst affected due to their already tight margins. Pictured: a store in Torrance

Explaining the reason for the closures, interim CEO Mike Simoncic cited the 'unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting consumer demand, rising levels of shrink and persistent inflationary pressures.' Pictured: a store in Torrance 

It comes as local politicians are stepping out in support of the affected workers who now face unemployment. Pictured: a store in Torrance 

Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker has requested a rapid response team to assist workers with unemployment insurance benefits and job placement. Pictured: a store in Torrance

It comes as local politicians are stepping out in support of the affected workers who now face unemployment.  

Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker has requested a rapid response team to assist workers with unemployment insurance benefits and job placement. 

Similarly, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn plans to introduce a motion to explore ways the county can aid displaced workers with short-term assistance, job training, and support for finding new employment opportunities.

'I am worried about the thousands of 99 Cents Store workers across L.A. County who are going to lose their jobs, but L.A. County is ready to help,' Hahn said in a statement.