Recent talk around Topeka may mention the news about larger corporations shutting down their businesses locally.

Among these businesses are Hastings Entertainment Inc., Macy’s department stores and Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts.

The environment in Hastings may best be described as chaotic. Most of the back area of the store is empty. The remaining items were organized at their best but still a little crazy. The business is no longer renting movies, as all sales in the store are final with no returns.

Hastings has a wide array of merchandise, as they sell DVD’s, Blu-rays, video games, candy, books, comics, movie posters and T-shirts, along with other apparel.

The business had the highest clearance prices. The majority of items were 50 percent off. Hastings is slated to close Jan. 23.

Before entering Macy’s, it’s easy to spot the huge “Closing” and “Clearance” banners on each side of the entrance from the mall. Upon entering the department store, a sign displays disclaimers such as “coupons will no longer be honored” and “As of Jan. 8, all sales in the store are final.”

Throughout the store, there are also signs that boast “20-50 percent off everything” and “Nothing held back!” In actuality, most items were 20 percent, but a selection of fur items in the store were up to 60 percent off. All sales currently don’t include fragrances, cosmetics or selected vendors. Even with the higher clearance, the cheapest item found in the fur section was a jacket originally priced at $695, offered at $345.

According to the company’s website, there are currently six Macy’s stores in Kansas with around 700 employees. The Topeka location is slated to close in about nine weeks.

At Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts, signs on the door read “Advertised offers do not apply at this store,” along with the usual “All sales final” sign. Most of the fabric ran for 33 percent off, and the best deals were toward the front of the store. Christmas and Valentine’s Day items were up to 50 percent off.

There are other deals, like 25 percent off specialty patterned or colored duct tape.

Frances O’Dooley’s Irish Pub & Grille and Lucky Dog’s Sports Bar both shut down in December as well. Lucky Dog’s closed it’s door forever after almost eight years in Topeka.