33 American Freight Stores To Close In FL Amid Bankruptcy, Inflation

FLORIDA — Amid bankruptcy woes, store closing sales have begun at all 328 American Freight locations, including in Florida, the furniture business announced this week.

American Freight operations began dwindling Tuesday after its parent company, Ohio-based Franchise Group, filed for Chapter 11, according to a company news release.

Franchise - which also owns Pet Supplies Plus, The Vitamin Shoppe and Buddy's Home Furnishings - is working to revamp its business proceedings during a restructuring support agreement with 80 percent of its lien holders.

The company has filed a motion with the court system to run its businesses, excluding American Freight, as normal. Franchise requested the ability to pay wages, provide customer programs and offer employee benefits as usual.

"Today's announcement to de-lever our balance sheet is a pivotal step forward in enabling our market-leading businesses, Pet Supplies Plus, The Vitamin Shoppe and Buddy's Home Furnishings to realize their full potential," Andrew Laurence, Franchise's president and chief executive officer, said in a Nov. 3 news release.

"Each of these businesses has a demonstrated value proposition and provides great products and services to customers, which they will continue to do seamlessly during this process. Strengthening FRG's balance sheet will allow us to enhance our support for these businesses as they advance their growth trajectories."

Struggling American Freight has been impacted by inflation and economic challenges, according to the release. An official closure date has not been revealed.

Hilco Consumer-Retail announced Wednesday that it is handling in-store and online closing sales for all American Freight locations, including 33 in Florida.

American Freight operates the following Florida stores:

• 1010 SW 17th St., Ocala
• 3170 W. Tharpe St., Tallahassee
• 2193 Viscount Row, Orlando
• 6001 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale
• 5240 NW 167th St., Miami
• 4116 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
• 4535 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
• 3350 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange
• 4400 34th St. N., St Petersburg
• 1544 FL 436, Winter Park
• 6024 103rd St., Jacksonville
• 4222 NW 13th St., Gainesville
• 6688 N. Military Trail, Riviera Beach
• 2116 S. Hwy 77, Lynn Haven
• 4500 Mobile Hwy., Pensacola
• 13080 Metro Pkwy., Fort Myers
• 2210 Commerce Point Drive, Lakeland
• 7619 Ellis Road, Melbourne
• 1201 10th St. E, Palmetto
• 7121 US-1, Port St Lucie
• 8661 Old Kings Road S, Unit 2, Jacksonville
• 3818 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford
• 515 Tamiami Trail S, Venice
• 657 S. Broad St., Brooksville
• 1415 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach
• 6235 N. Davis Hwy., Pensacola
• 5251 110th Ave. N, Clearwater
• 8333 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
• 4308 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando
• 2031 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
• 8245B N. Florida Ave., Tampa
• 11111 San Jose Blvd., Suite 1, Jacksonville
• 8090 NW 77th Court, Medley

Sales include up to 30 percent off of the lowest-ticketed prices on furniture, scratch and dent and new in-box appliances. Also included in the sales are discounts valid in stores and online. All sales are final, American Freight stated.

Available items are living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, refrigerators, washers and dryers.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail, said in a Nov. 6 news release. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."