Flood-hit Wickes to close area stores

Wickes Furniture will shut down its two remaining Pittsburgh-area stores by the end of the year, partly because of severe flood damage in September to its showroom and distribution center on Casteel Drive in North Fayette.

The Wheeling, Ill.-based retailer also operates a showroom on a parcel at the Monroeville Mall. A total of about 75 employees in the two locations are affected.

"Unfortunately, as a result of recent events, we have decided to exit the Pittsburgh market place," John Disa, president and CEO of Wickes, said in a statement released Monday.

"We are very sensitive to the burden this decision puts on our employees and their families. We are grateful to all of our employees, customers and local business partners for their support throughout the years."

The North Fayette store and distribution center never reopened after the remnants of Hurricane Ivan created floods the night of Sept. 17 across Western Pennsylvania. The location is close to Montour Run creek and the Montour Trail, which also suffered flood damage.

A recorded message on the store's phone line said yesterday that it is closed temporarily due to the "devastating effects of Hurricane Ivan." The message continues, "We will reopen soon."

Another Wickes on Route 51 in West Mifflin closed last year. The company has operated stores in the Pittsburgh area for about 30 years, selling low-priced furniture.

Nicole Ivey, a company spokeswoman, said the decision followed a review of market conditions. Further questions were referred to Dick Petersen, the company's vice president for human resources, who couldn't be reached for comment.

The statement said Wickes would continue to operate its 31 remaining stores in the Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland and Minneapolis regions.