Shoppers flocked to Fortunoff Thursday to take advantage of the retailer?s final sale before it closes.

Shoppers say they?re happy they can use their Fortunoff gift cards after the bankrupt company said last week they would refuse to honor them, but are sad to see the Long Island icon go.

Westbury has been home to Fortunoff?s flagship store for 50 years. The retailer first opened in Brooklyn 87 years ago. It?s the latest casualty of the recession, following the lead of other big names like Linens?N?Things and Circuit City.

Many shoppers say it?s an end of an era. They describe Fortunoff as an institution.

Fortunoff?s liquidation will take a while and the store is accepting gift cards until March 8.