ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The recession has claimed one of the longtime retail fixtures in Southern Oregon.

The Furniture Depot of Ashland will close next month and begin liquidating its inventory after 27 years.

Owner Sheryl Clear and her husband, Loren, said the forecast for more tough economic times and declining sales made it impossible to stay in business.

Sheryl Clear said many of her customers are retired and living on fixed incomes, so they aren't as willing to spend money in the recession.