It is currently housed in the former Best & Less location, with frontage to both the Woolworths car park and Summer Street, sharing the space with Katies and Millers.

The end of a retail store is a grim occasion. The enthusiasm with which a shop begins is often long faded by the time the white flag is hoisted. Empty shelves, empty racks, empty boxes ... and SALE signs aimed at shifting the last of the stock.

A crossroads staff member had posted on Facebook on Friday: "Last few days to shop Crossroads. Everything left is 2 for $20! All markdown accessories are $1."

By Friday afternoon the bargain hunters had picked almost all of the meat off the bones, with just a few items on $5 rack left.

Crossroads is one of several chains owned by Sydney-based Mosaic Brands that have outlets in Orange - Millers, Katies, Rivers, Autograph and the doomed crossroads.

Formerly known as Noni B Limited, Mosaic Brands describes itself as "one of largest specialty fashion retailer groups in Australia." Its other brands include Rockmans, W. Lane and Beme, and it boasts over 1,300 stores nationally.

The company recently posted a $45 million loss, and there are concerns up to 500 of its stores could be shuttered over the coming two years.

"The past 12 months do not reflect the consistent growth the Group has achieved over the past five years," said CEO Scott Evans in the company's latest annual report. "There are no road maps to navigate the circumstances we have faced, however our operational approach has been to put the safety of our customers and team first." The company did respond to a request for comment.

The crossroads mission statement says that the company "strive(s) to make women everywhere look good and feel great by offering on-trend outfits for every occasion without the expensive price tag".

Around town the Mosaic Brands shops were like many others on the main drag and beyond, with sale signs on display to lure shoppers inside.

Meanwhile, on the footpath outside crossroads sat a box of coat hangers, free to anyone who wanted them.

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