Mass Layoffs, Empty Offices, and Car Sales Collapse — It’s All Falling Apart

From the Desk of Attorney Omar Zambrano: Helping 10,000 Families Become Debt-Free in 2025

📍 Proudly Serving Los Angeles, San Bernardino & Riverside Counties

The warning signs are no longer subtle. They're flashing in bold letters across the economy — mass layoffs, collapsing car sales, and commercial real estate in freefall. This isn’t fearmongering. This is the reality I’m seeing in my office every day.

In the last week alone, I’ve spoken to teachers, nurses, car salespeople, and small business owners — all wondering the same thing: Is it all about to fall apart? And unfortunately, the answer is clear. It already is.

Office Buildings Worth $100 Million Now Sell for $10 Million

Let’s start in Denver, where two office towers, once valued at over $100 million, were sold together last week for just $10 million. That’s a 90% discount. These weren’t abandoned husks — they were once fully leased, fully operational buildings. But today? They sit more than 70% vacant.

This isn’t just about Denver. This is happening in every major city: from Los Angeles to Chicago, Houston to New York. Since the pandemic, demand for office space has collapsed. Employees are still remote, small businesses have downsized, and large corporations are subleasing empty floors just to stay afloat.

And no one wants to touch commercial real estate. Not investors. Not banks. Not even opportunistic buyers.

“I Feel Worse Now Than During the Pandemic” – A Doctor's View

A client I’ll call Dr. Marvin — a physician in Inland Empire — told me last week, “Omar, I felt more secure during COVID lockdowns than I do right now.”

Let that sink in.

During the pandemic, he was closed. He had no revenue. But he had certainty — there were grants, deferrals, and federal protections. Now? His income is down, insurance payouts are delayed, rent is rising, and his staff is overwhelmed.

He’s not alone. Many clients tell me the same thing: This moment feels more dangerous than 2020. More silent. More invisible. But no less destructive.

Layoffs, PIPs, and Terminations — Corporate America Is Quietly Shrinking

The fear of losing your job is more real today than it's been in over a decade. I’m hearing it from clients at every income level.

Some are being “performance-managed out” — a polite way of saying you’re next in line for termination. It starts with getting flagged by HR. Then you’re placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). After that, every small misstep becomes ammunition.

Once you're on a PIP, the end is near.

And this isn’t just theory — the data supports it. In Q1 of 2025, the U.S. saw 188 major corporate bankruptcies — the highest single-quarter number since 2010. Thousands of employees have been laid off — some with severance, most with silence.

The “Fake Recession” That Was Real All Along

Even Goldman Sachs, who initially said the recession had begun last week, reversed their position just 48 minutes later — after the White House paused tariffs.

But ask yourself: Does it really feel like this is not a recession?

Let’s put aside the headlines and look at the real indicators:

• Credit card defaults are rising

• Car repossessions are up

• Small business revenue is down

• Consumers are spending less

If you’re a worker, a parent, a homeowner, or a small business owner — you already feel it. The recession isn’t coming. It’s here.

Car Sales Are Collapsing — and the Numbers Are Brutal

According to new estimates, the U.S. is on pace to sell 850,000 fewer new vehicles in 2025 than originally projected.

That breaks down to 2,328 fewer car sales per day.

Think about that: every single day, over 2,000 vehicles that should be sold — aren't. Dealerships are sitting on inventory. Financing is harder to obtain. And insurance costs have exploded.

In my own neighborhood in Baldwin Park, two car dealerships have already begun cutting staff. One client of mine who manages a used lot in San Bernardino told me, “We’re lucky if we sell four cars a week. Last year we did fifteen.”

Five Below: From Affordable to Out-of-Reach

Five Below — the once-legendary discount chain — was known for incredible deals. Toys, clothes, electronics — all for five bucks. Today?

• $25 luggage

• $15 blenders

• $10 headphones

The low-cost inventory is vanishing, and management has confirmed: They’ve stopped receiving shipments from China.

Tariffs are hitting hard. Supply chains are breaking. And stores are either quietly raising prices — or drowning in unsold merchandise.

As this continues, expect more “tariff surcharges” on receipts at restaurants, retail shops, and even stadiums. I’ve already seen furniture stores in Riverside County adding 5% “import recovery” fees to every invoice.

Retail Bloodbath: Prada Takes an $800 Million Loss

Luxury fashion isn’t immune either.

This week, Prada sold Versace for $2.2 billion — after buying it for $3 billion. That’s an $800 million loss.

Even the ultra-wealthy are trimming fat. Hedge funds are shedding real estate portfolios. Private equity firms are selling off distressed assets. The message is clear: a storm is coming, and the big players are getting liquid while they can.

Consumers Are Tapped Out – Inflation Is Still Real

The CPI may say inflation is slowing, but you know what you’re paying.

Groceries are more expensive than ever. Utilities are rising. Gas remains volatile. And many of my clients say they’ve had to cut back on essentials — not luxuries.

One client, a retired bus driver in Pomona, told me: “I don’t shop for the month anymore. I buy what I need for one day at a time.”

And that’s wise. In times of instability, flexibility wins. Planning for a month doesn’t help when prices change weekly. The British-style daily shop is catching on here for a reason: it avoids waste, and it keeps you responsive.

Your Strategic Response: What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re feeling anxious about what’s happening, you’re not alone. But anxiety without action leads to paralysis. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Track Every Dollar Cut emotion from spending. Know what’s coming in and what’s going out.

2. Negotiate Debt Now Don’t wait until you’re three months behind. I negotiate with creditors every day. There are options.

3. Plan for Job Loss Before It Happens If you're already on shaky ground at work, it’s time to talk. We can discuss legal options and financial protection.

4. Avoid Big Purchases This is not the time to finance a new car or commit to high-interest loans. Hold off — better deals are coming.

5. Talk to Someone You don’t have to navigate this alone. My team is here for you.

Legal Services Offered by My Office

Here’s exactly how we help clients across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties:

🛡️ Bankruptcy Protection (Chapter 7 & 13)

We evaluate whether bankruptcy is the right move. We protect your home, your car, and your wages — and stop lawsuits instantly.

🛡️ Auto Loan & Repossession Defense

Falling behind on car payments? We intervene before repossession, or help get your vehicle returned if it’s already been taken.

🛡️ Credit Card Debt & Loan Negotiation

We negotiate directly with creditors to reduce balances, freeze interest, and get you on a realistic repayment plan.

🛡️ Wage Garnishment & Lawsuit Defense

If your wages are being garnished or a creditor is suing you, we fight back in court and seek dismissal or reduction.

🛡️ Foreclosure Defense & Mortgage Assistance

If you’re behind on your mortgage, we help you apply for modification, delay foreclosure, and explore bankruptcy protection if needed.

📞 Free Financial Consultation

Call today. We’ll review your full financial picture and provide honest legal advice. No pressure, no cost.

Let’s take action — together.

📞 Call or Text Now: (626) 338-5505

🌐 Visit: www.omarzambrano.com

📱 WhatsApp: +1-626-550-7071

📍 Office: 12738 Ramona Blvd, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Closing Thoughts: You’re Not Powerless in This Economy

Yes, the headlines are overwhelming. The stock market is unstable. Retail is shaky. Car sales are tanking. Layoffs are accelerating. But I want you to know something — you are not powerless.

The most dangerous thing you can do is wait.

The sooner you confront your financial reality, the more options you’ll have. Whether it’s debt, housing issues, or just financial fear — you have legal rights. And I’m here to fight for them.

Helping 10,000 Families Become Debt-Free in 2025.

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