GRANTS PASS — Grants Pass antique dealers say the troubled economy has come to town, slowing business in their niche market and forcing some owners to close shop.

Two stores have recently closed while a number of others are merging or squeezing into smaller quarters to try to ride out the economic storm.

Foot traffic at Michael Vincent’s shop, Sixth Street Antique Mall, slowed considerably from the 1,000 or so people who would come through in a day in better times, he said. Others have survived but have had to scale back.

Jeff and Karen McGowen, owners of H Street Antiques, are clearing out excess merchandise to make room for Home Economics owner DeWayne Lumpkin. “Business-wise, it’s a smart move for him and a smart move for us,” said Jeff McGowan. “With what he does and what we have, it’s a win-win.”

Lumpkin said he had to look for some unconventional options to stay afloat when his lease came up. He ended up splitting his merchandise among three businesses.

Ila Crook, owner of My Barn, another Grants Pass antique shop, has noticed business drop, too.

“There are a lot of people who are just a hiccup away from going under,” Crook said.