LA MESA (CBS 8) - Quality men's clothing for 40 percent off -- what could be bad about that? How about name brand suits deeply discounted, or designer shirts at rock-bottom prices?
Chances are if you've set foot in Grossmont Shopping Center over past half century, you've spent some time in the mall's first tenant, The Highlander.
"A lot of businessmen have shopped here over the years and relied on our service to help put their look together," Sarah Lee said.
Sarah, whose brother-in-law owns The Highlander, has heard the loyal customers' stories.
"All the time. I bought my first suit or I had my first charge card," she said.
Styles have changed, but year after year, generation after generation, has shopped this traditional men's clothing store.
"Quality over anything else. Reliable, our customer service. We've always catered to an older gentleman," Sarah said.
Today, as word of The Highlander going out of business got around, a fashion feeding frenzy broke out. One faithful shopper mistook me for a clerk. I helped him find a nice suit.
People's dress habits have changed. Men don't wear suits as often. This shopping center has changed and the economy has slowed. So by the end of January or early February, The Highlander will be gone.
"I need a tissue maybe," a customer said.
Meanwhile, let the sale begin.