Discount clothing chain Goody's Family Clothing will soon begin liquidating its stores, including seven across West Virginia.

The Tennessee-based company, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection less than four months ago, will begin liquidation sales Friday. Goody's becomes one of the first retailers in 2009 to fall victim to the worsening economy.

Goody's has 287 stores in 20 states, including West Virginia outlets in Charleston, Nitro, Logan, Beckley, Clarksburg, Princeton and Summersville.

It's uncertain what will happen to the company's 9,800 workers after the liquidation is completed by the end of March. But without a last minute buyer or an investor to purchase high-performing stores, their job outlook is grim.