Liquidation of Troutman's Emporium to cost 1,600 jobs

Troutman's Emporium, a 34-unit family department store group, has been forced to liquidate, causing 1,600 employees in Washington and four other Western states to lose their jobs. The privately-held firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Jan. 14, which included its parent, Troutman Investment Co., as a debtor. The leases for the stores, which range from 16,000 sq. ft. to 80,000 sq. ft., are still for sale, as are other Troutman assets, including a shopping center, accounts receivable and an airplane.