11 American Freight Stores To Close In IL Amid Bankruptcy, Inflation

NORTHBROOK — Amid bankruptcy woes, store closing sales have begun at all 328 American Freight locations, including 11 in Illinois, the Northbrook-based 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 Group also owns Pet Supplies Plus, The Vitamin Shoppe and Buddy's Home. Franchise Group said it is working to revamp its business proceedings during a restructuring support agreement with 80 percent of its lien holders.

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

"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.

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

American Freight operates the following Illinois stores:

• 1291 E Pershing Road, Decatur
• 2002 Glenn Park Dr, Suite B, Champaign
• 1502 E Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
• 5212 N Big Hollow Road, Peoria
• 7415 S Cass Ave., Darien
• 1750 Richmond Road, McHenry
• 1040 S Barrington Road, Streamwood
• 1000 Broadview Village Square, Broadview
• 55 Ludwig Drive, Space 55, Fairview Heights
• 540 S Hwy 59, Naperville
• 16040 S Harlem Ave., Tinley Park

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.

Patch Editor Amanda Lumpkin contributed to this story.