S&K Menswear announced Thursday it will close its remaining 105 stores in 26 states, including one at Park City Center.

The company began a storewide going-out-of-business sale Thursday, which will last until all merchandise is sold.

S&K gift cards will be honored throughout the sale.

The Virginia-based company has struggled during the economic downturn. It closed a store at Tanger Outlets in January and in March announced it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Jonathan Tibus, chief restructuring officer at S&K Menswear, said Thursday that the company would not emerge from bankruptcy protection.

"In spite of our best efforts, the current economic climate left us with no choice but to close down the business," Tibus said.

An employee at the S&K Menswear store at 153 Park City Center said that location has seven employees.

Founded in the late 1960s by a retired grocer, S&K Menswear grew to become a premier menswear retailer throughout the eastern United States.

Gordon Brothers Group was hired to conduct the liquidation sale.

The store sell suits, dress shirts, suit separates, shoes, ties, sportswear, outerwear and accessories. It carries brands including Dockers, Oscar de la Renta, Sean Jean, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole Reaction and Lauren by Ralph Lauren.

E-mail: pburns@lnpnews.com