Gottschalks (former NYSE ticker symbol GOT) was a middle-tier American department store that operated 58 department stores and three specialty apparel stores in six western states (California, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada); some locations ran as Harris-Gottschalks stores. Prior to liquidation, it was the largest independently owned, publicly traded department store chain in the United States. On January 14, 2009, Gottschalks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.[1][2] This bankruptcy became a liquidation on March 31, 2009.[3] At least five prime locations became Macy's stores, while several more became Forever 21 stores.
Beginnings
Gottschalks was founded by