It’s six weeks into the liquidation of Gottschalks at the Hanford Mall, and the store is full of merchandise. But its only a matter of time before the longtime local mainstay shuts its doors permanently.

Customers roamed the space on Monday, many picking out clothing from racks and display tables with signs proclaiming deep percentage discounts.

It’s uncertain how much longer there will still be a local Gottschalks to shop in.

Pam Wallick, the store manager, declined to comment. Corporate headquarters in Fresno didn’t return phone calls.

Christy Vogelgesang, who works at the cosmetics counter, said she was told employees will be working until June 1.

“I’m pretty depressed. I don’t know what everybody’s going to do,” she said.

Vogelgesang said she started attending pharmacy technician school before the liquidation was announced, so she’s got something lined up. But she said she’s worried about her fellow workers.

The liquidation company that bought Gottschalks owns the building now, according to Ben Janas, Hanford Mall marketing manager.

No closing date has been announced, Janas said.

Fresno-based Gottschalks, which has been in Hanford since the Hanford Mall opened in 1993, declared bankruptcy in January amid plummeting sales.

The Hanford store performed well compared to other locations in the former 58-store chain scattered across several Western states, Janas said.

Customers said Monday that they are upset about the looming closure.

“They should have shut down Ross or something,” said Jannette Candelaria, a Corcoran resident.

“It’s a shame that it’s closing. They’re known for good service, quality,” said Fernando Candelaria.

Janas said it’s too early to speculate about what company might replace Gottschalks, which is the second regional chain to fall to bankruptcy within the last five months. Mervyns, another of the mall’s original anchor tenants, closed its doors in December.

The Hanford Mall as a whole is sound and will remain open, he said.

“We’re not Orange County. There’s not a mall on every other corner,” Janas said.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2432.