16 American Freight Stores To Close In MI Amid Bankruptcy, Inflation

MICHIGAN — American Freight has begun closing sales at all of its 328 locations, including in Michigan, amid bankruptcy woes, the furniture business announced this week.

The struggling retailer has began dwindling down 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 16 in Michigan.

American Freight operates the following Michigan stores:

• 3125 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE Grand Rapids
• 28300 Schoolcraft Rd Livonia
• 4801 Washtenaw Ave Ann Arbor
• 32880 Dequindre Rd Warren
• 1475 Lake Lansing Rd Lansing
• 501 Mall Dr Portage
• 630 N Telegraph Rd Monroe
• 4345 Bay Rd Saginaw
• 5038 Miller Rd, Ste 2B Flint
• 1750 E Sherman Blvd Muskegon
• 30 Columbia Ave E, Ste H Battle Creek
• 669 Mall Dr Portage
• 810 S Waverly Rd Lansing
• 12001 Sears Ave Livonia
• 9860 Telegraph Rd Taylor
• 37055 S Groesbeck Hwy Unit L Clinton Township

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."