Builders Chain Starts Liquidation Sale

Liquidation sales began Thursday at Builders Emporium Stores, with a pledge by the San Fernando Valley-based company to empty its stores of the entire $160-million inventory, at any price.

“When the sale is over, there will be nothing left,” said Paul Buxbaum, a consultant for the going-out-of-business sale. “The merchandise will find its price. One way or another we’ll get rid of it.”

The original Builders Emporium in Van Nuys, along with outlets in Northridge, Tarzana, Granada Hills, Glendale and two each in Woodland Hills and North Hollywood, were doing brisk business Thursday, as shoppers began to take advantage of the 47-year-old chain’s demise.

Builders Emporium announced Aug. 24 that it will close its 97 stores in the southwest United States, 82 of which are in California, within about two months.

Buxbaum said the sale is scheduled to end Oct. 31, but the company may extend it if merchandise is left. The closure will cost 4,300 workers their jobs.