Core Insights - Howard's Appliance, a nearly 80-year-old retail chain, has abruptly closed all its Southern California stores with minimal notice to employees and no communication to customers, leaving many orders unfulfilled [5][12] - The company has not filed for bankruptcy as of December 6, 2025, which means it is still legally obligated to fulfill customer orders or provide refunds [4][6][9] - Customers who have paid for items but not received them may face challenges in recovering their funds, as they become unsecured creditors in the event of bankruptcy [3][6] Company Closure Details - The closure affects approximately 17 locations across Southern California, with employees notified of their termination on December 4, 2025 [12] - The company's website was inaccessible as of December 6, 2025, indicating a complete shutdown of operations [7] - The closure follows a history of previous store closures due to weak sales and a strategic shift towards newer locations [12] Customer Impact and Guidance - Customers are advised to collect receipts and proofs of purchase to prepare for potential disputes with banks or credit card companies regarding unfulfilled orders [6] - If the company has not filed for bankruptcy, it remains responsible for fulfilling orders, and customers may pursue legal action if necessary [6] - Warranties for purchased items may still be honored if issued by the manufacturer, but typically die with the company unless other agreements are in place [6]