Oxon Hill Family Business Closes, Owner Blames Layoffs And Tariffs

OXON HILL, MD — A family business has announced its closing after 39 years and blames federal layoffs and tariffs being implemented by the U.S. government.

Linen World has been in business for 39 years. According to the Facebook page of the business, all merchandise was priced at 20% off the first week of April, then 30% off the second week, 40% off the third week and so on until all the merchandise is gone or April 26, whichever comes first.

Jason Gaister, owner of Linen World, told WUSA9 that his business started slowing down around the time that federal workers were being laid off. He said that February recorded the lowest sales in 37 years.

“A lot of the federal workers around here not knowing what’s going on with their jobs. It caused a decline in sales," Gaister said.

Most of Gaister's merchandise is imported from China, he said, and recent tariffs include that country.

“With these tariffs we can’t bring in new merchandise and we can’t afford to raise our prices the way we would have to,” Gaister said.

The business is located at 6193 Oxon Hill Road.