Retail chain Riot Art & Craft have closed down all of its stores, including Wagga, after the company went into liquidation last week, leaving staff such as Jacqueline De Tessier without an income.

The Coolamon local had been working at Wagga's Riot Art and Craft store for more than 10 years, a job she was able to share her passion for art in.

"I was there right from the start, and I worked as a casual at first," Ms De Tessier said.

"Then, after a couple of years, I became the manager."

Ms De Tessier said she stayed at the business for so long because the staff was like a second family and the ethos of the company resonated with her - the customers were important.

The COVID-19 pandemic had slowed down sales Ms De Tessier said, but there had been no talk of staff cuts after the casuals had been stood down. Last Monday, she went to work as normal.

"We thought that when some news came through from Victoria, from the premier, ... that maybe the stores might open and our store would continue to trade and be restocked," Ms De Tessier said.

"That night at 8.50, we got texts and emails saying that the company had gone into liquidation and that we were not to bother going to work the next day.

"I was gobsmacked. I felt like I had been slapped, and I just felt sick."

On October 19, Riot Art & Craft director Michael Kurc wrote a text message to staff.

"All stores are closed as of today. You are not required to be at work tomorrow," it read.

"The liquidator will be in touch with you regarding your entitlements. A massive thank you to everyone for all your years of service."

After the initial shock wore off slightly, Ms De Tessier instantly began thinking about her financial position.

Remembering she had long service leave and other entitlements accrued, Ms De Tessier thought she would have a safety net for a few weeks while she developed a plan.

But then, she received correspondence explaining all employees would need to apply to Fair Work to receive what she is owed.

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"It just compounded that feeling of anxiety. It impacts your whole health and wellbeing," Ms De Tessier said.

"What I've had to do is I've had to draw down some of my super so that we can pay out some things. [I am] devastated."

Ms De Tessier said they are also being asked to prove they worked the last two weeks.

Nicholas Giasoumi, director at Dye & Co., said the liquidation company took on the contract on October 19.

He added they had sent notification to the staff regarding making a claim from the government under the Fair Entitlement Guarantee Act in respect to their wages and other entitlements.