American Freight to close Springfield store as company winds down operations

A south-side furniture store is closing as the company behind it winds down operations.

Northbrook, Illinois-based American Freight announced in a news release yesterday that the Springfield store at 1434 E. Independence St. is one of its 328 systemwide locations that are closing. Store closing sales have commenced.

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

Founded in 1994, American Freight sells furniture, mattresses and home appliances. It was acquired in 2020 by Delaware, Ohio-based Franchise Group Inc., which that year additionally bought FFO Home and combined that business into American Freight, according to the parent company's website.

In a separate news release this week, Franchise Group announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In regards to the American Freight business, the company cited "sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges facing the large durable goods sector."

American Freight opened in the Independence Street building in Springfield after the 2020 closure there of Furniture Factory Outlet, operated by Fort Smith, Arkansas-based FFO Home.

Greene County assessor records list the owner of the nearly 32,000-square-foot building as Larry Rainwater, et al., care of Sofa City.