DUNKIRK, N.Y. — Close to a dozen employees in Northern Chautauqua County will be out of a job shortly after the holiday season.

The corporate owner of Peebles on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk announced the department store is closing January 20.

Leaders say the move will help further strengthen the company and better serve its customers and communities.

Close to a dozen employees will be out of a job, and shoppers could be forced to spend money outside the area.

"It will have to be Jamestown or Buffalo, or Erie, Pennsylvania. And I feel so sorry for the people that are working here, going to be losing their jobs. We have a small business and I can feel for them,” said Astrid Dietzen, Fredonia resident.

JCPenney also closed its doors earlier this year in the town.

Peebles has been in Dunkirk since 2007.