McMahan's Furniture is the latest business to leave Kern County. In this case, it's more painful given the family-owned company started in Bakersfield in 1919. The original store was located at 18Th and H streets in downtown Bakersfield. A parking garage now stands there.

Kern County has seen a string of business suddenly closing doors and leaving, often without letting workers know ahead of time and telling them to leave immediately.

"It is a difficult time for stores such as furniture," said Cheryl Scott, Vice President of Kern Economic Development Corporation.

Scott says business are affected by the housing market crisis.

"I think it's part of the domino effect that we're seeing here," said Scott.

In a written statement, McMahan's said simply it was closing its stores in Bakersfield and Lancaster with its "focus going forward on Northern California and Oregon stores."

Customers with unresolved issues or questions can call McMahan's at
1-800-655-4535 ext. 101.