Mervyn's to close Carson City store, three others

RENO, Nev. (AP) " Mervyns will close four stores in Nevada, including all three locations in northern Nevada, as part of a cost-cutting move.

The Hayward, Calif.-based department store chain, which operates about 175 stores primarily in California, cited "under-performance" for closing stores in Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Las Vegas.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that they're among 26 stores that will be closed companywide.

The chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month, has seen its sales drop as California is among the hardest hit by the real estate slump.

Mervyns Chief Executive Officer John Goodman says the company will focus attention on remaining stores that meet performance objectives in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah.