Store closings and corporate downsizing have been happening nationally and now it’s hitting closer to home.

Unisys, an information technology services company, has announced 90 layoffs at its Henrietta location and there are other cutbacks locally.

Jim Lucas is trying to prepare himself for what it will take to land a new job. After nine years with Unisys Corporation his job as a relationship marketing rep was eliminated yesterday along with 89 other positions. “I've never been laid off before so it's a unique feeling. You try to be as optimistic as you can but reality does sink in and you just deal with it.”

Before the layoffs Unisys employed 260 people at its Henrietta facility. A spokesperson for the information technology services and solutions company says the economy is forcing Unisys to cut expenses.

The economy is affecting companies in just about every industry. Henrietta resident Wallace Barnes was disappointed to hear Steve and Barry's is liquidating it's stores nationwide including the store in Henrietta.

Barnes said,”It's sad and it's frightening because people have to take every dollar that they can make to make ends meet.”

The effects of nationwide economic downturn have made their way to Rochester. George Conboy, the president of Brighton Securities, says the immediate future may look bleak for some companies. “Companies are beginning to project out lower sales and rather than wait for a problem to occur, companies are taking steps to reduce expenses.”

He anticipates more retail closings, some car dealerships to go under and other cuts but he says Rochester may fare better than some other communities. “We are in a recession, we won't come out tomorrow, but the Rochester economy probably will not experience the depth of recession that other areas will feel."

Lucas says Unisys is offering a generous package for laid off employees including help to find another job.