Michael McMullan

Daffy's, a 19-store chain that sells discount designer brands in the U.S. Northeast, said it will shutter its business in the next few months, citing an uncertain economy and weak consumer spending. "The process will entail the gradual closing of Daffy's stores and the liquidation of its merchandise," Michael McMullan, a Daffy's spokesman, wrote in an emailed statement today. Daffy's, which doesn't have a final date for the closure of the business, will continue to employ its associates and give them pay and benefits for at least 60 days, McMullan said. Daffy's has about 1,300 employees.