Dillard's, at the Southern Park Mall, will close in 90 days, no later than May 14th according to its corporate headquarters.

Staff members were called to a meeting where they were told the news Wednesday morning.

What's still unclear is exactly why the store is closing.

For the second time in less than a year, an anchor store at the Southern Park Mall is permanently closing.  First the iconic American retailer known as Sears closed in mid-July of last year, and this morning 123 employees at Dillard's learned they would close in 90 days.

Customers who had been hearing rumors are still shocked and saddened by the news.

Danell DiGiammarino drove from New Castle, Pennsylvania, "It's the only place I shop, and my grandkids, It's the only place I get their clothes.  So I'm really upset about it."

Dan Burkholder from Boardman was sad, but not too surprised, "A lot has to do with people buying on the internet.  You know you can go on the internet and buy something cheaper.  Why take your time on a cold day and go to the mall?"

Dillard's owns the Boardman building so they will have to continue to pay property tax to Mahoning County even after the business closes. But it's jobs and sales tax that will be lost.

Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti said she's disappointed wondering what the workers will do now and how this will impact the county's income tax collection. 

"It's scary. Is this a trend?  And I see that coming because of the internet sales.  And I honestly believe that we need to seriously speak to our legislators and have them look and take a hard look at taxing internet sales back to the counties," Rimedio-Righetti said,

Workers inside the Southern Park Mall Dillard's were not permitted to talk on-camera, but sources say many have already started reaching out to friends for other jobs.

As for the Eastwood Mall Dillard's, which is currently an outlet store, it appears it will not be impacted.  21 News spoke with Joe Bell of the Cafaro Company, and he said, "Off-price retail is the strongest segment of retailing right now; stores that include TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack."

The Eastwood Mall Dillard's will continue as it is for now.

Nearly three years ago the Eastwood Mall was converted into a clearance center.  Bell, tells 21 News the Niles store has been the more profitable of the two Valley stores. 

21 News has reached out to the company managing the mall and has not yet received a response.