Jan. 23--When Circuit City employees at Concord Mills heard the announcement last Friday that the retail giant would close all of its stores, they scrambled to prepare for liquidation sales that started the next day.

By Saturday, customers were already waiting in long lines to get 10 to 30 percent off electronics, CDs, DVDs, video games and other goods.

There was no time to think about the future and lost jobs, said one employee who did not want to be named.

The electronics specialty store, which employs 30,000 nationally, is the latest in a growing list of local and national retailers shutting down because of the declining economy. At Concord Mills alone, the Liz Claiborne Shoe Outlet and Blacklion have already shut down.

KB Toys announced in December that it had filed for bankruptcy and planned to shut down its stores, including one at Concord Mills. The store is still open, but has been nearly picked clean by bargain hunters.

Kirkland's also is having a going out of business sale. Its last day is Wednesday, but the company is not shutting down. Other stores will remain open in Charlotte and Gastonia, according to store employees.

Across from the mall, Linens 'n Things, which was next door to Babies "R" Us, has already removed its sign.

Circuit City, which is based in Richmond, Va., has been in business for more than 60 years. The company tried to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but could not reach an agreement with its creditors.

It is closing all 567 stores in 153 media markets in the U.S. and approximately 765 retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada, according to store officials.

"The recent store closing is not surprising given the challenging economic environment," said Ray Soporowski, the general manager of Concord Mills.

Soporowski said the mall still has 200 stores and recently opened Silvina, a women's clothing store, aerie by American Eagle, an Express, and The Limited. Aerie specializes in women's undergarments.

Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse will open soon in Blacklion's old location in the mall. Papaya, a clothing store targeting customers ages 16 to 25, is scheduled to open at Concord Mills in the next few months.

"As we've demonstrated consistently over the years, store turnover allows us to maintain a fresh, exciting and contemporary retail mix," Soporowski said.