KFDM News has learned Ashley Furniture Home Store on Phelan Boulevard in Beaumont closed its doors early Friday morning, a time when businesses try to take advantage of one of the busiest shopping days of the year, but a corporate spokesman told a KFDM News crew outside the store that the company hopes to reopen the Beaumont business by the end of the year.

The spokesman wouldn't provide a specific reason for the closing, but calls this "a transitional period" during which the corporation hopes to find a new owner to run the store.

He said the company contacted as many workers as possible beginning Wednesday, but some employees who hadn't been contacted showed up at 6:30 a.m. Friday, only to learn the store was closing. A number of employees and customers showed up while KFDM News was outside the store early Friday morning, and they told us they were surprised to learn about the closure. Ashley had advertised a 20% discount on merchandise bought between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday.

The spokesman said no furniture will be sold and the employees will lose their jobs.

He said arrangements have been made to deliver furniture to anyone who bought furniture and contracted for delivery prior to Friday. You can call 877-771-2334 for more information.

KFDM News interviewed a corporate spokesman and several customers.

Stay with KFDM News at 5, 6 and 10 for the latest on the story.