Furniture and appliance chain to close all locations, including Fairview Heights
American Freight, an appliance, furniture and mattress store located at 55 Ludwig Drive in Fairview Heights, has apparently closed.
The discount retailer’s parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., announced Nov. 3 that it will close the entire chain as part of a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Despite a sign for “new store hours” posted on the door, the Fairview Heights store was closed Wednesday afternoon, and calls to the location eventually went to voicemail.
Land Use and Development Director for the city, Dallas Alley, said in a phone call with the BND that he went by the store Wednesday morning and the location was dark. He said there’s been no communication from the store.
The Ohio-based company stated in a press release that closing the struggling chain is part of a restructuring support agreement that will allow the company to continue operations for its leading brands, which include Pet Supplies Plus, The Vitamin Shoppe and Buddy’s Home Furnishings.
Closing sales at nationwide locations and online began Tuesday, Nov. 5.
It is not immediately clear if the Fairview Heights store is already permanently closed, or if it’s temporarily closed to prepare for closing sales.
There are more than 370 American Freight locations nationwide, including 11 Illinois stores and 13 in Missouri, according to the chain’s website. Area locations include the Fairview Heights store and two St. Louis-area stores.
American Freight was established in 1994 and specialized in discounted quality and furniture and mattresses, according to the Franchise Group website. In February 2020, American Freight combined with Sears Outlet to become American Freight Furniture Mattress Appliance.
This story was originally published November 6, 2024 at 2:16 PM.
