BRISTOL/WARNER VILLAGE — Mark J. Miller, the CEO of Pic ‘N Save Bargain and ex-President of Big Lots, is aiming to rescue 143 local 99 Cents Only Stores following the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and the announcement of liquidation for all its stores on Thursday.

In a Thursday press release, the interim CEO of the 99 Cents Only Stores chain attributed the decision to shut down to ongoing issues with COVID-19, changing consumer preferences, and increasing inflation.

Miller, along with investors in which some are past executives from 99 Cents Only Stores, is working to acquire stores all located in Southern California.

In addition to the news of a possible saving grace, the City announced Sunday their Economic Development Division and WORK Center staff contacted managers at both Santa Ana stores.

According to the post, the division contacted the property owners where the 99 Cent stores operate in order to help find new tenants. The WORK center team will be providing “rapid-response services” to those who will be laid off.