Since COVID-19, several major companies have faced financial struggles, leading to closures or bankruptcy filings. Now, another major retailer appears to be shutting down for good, including its 30 locations across Texas. Here's what you need to know.

Big names like Bed Bath & Beyond, Party City, and David's Bridal have all filed for bankruptcy recently. These closures come as businesses grapple with rising costs, shifting consumer spending habits, and stiff competition from online retailers.

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The impact of COVID-19 dealt a heavy blow to many businesses, leaving them unable to bounce back from plummeting sales and the mounting pressures of inflation. While some stores have closed their doors for good, others are attempting to reorganize in hopes of survival.

Sears, once a retail giant known for selling everything from clothing to home goods and appliances, faced similar challenges. As online shopping gained popularity, Sears struggled to compete, leading to the closure of most of its stores.

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American Freight stepped in to fill the gap left by Sears, focusing on discounted furniture and appliances—popular items that Sears once provided. By offering affordable, basic home furnishings, American Freight attracted many of Sears’ former customers, appealing to those seeking deals on big-ticket items without paying full retail prices. However, despite its initial success, American Freight is now facing significant challenges of its own.

The company has announced the closure of all its locations nationwide. This decision follows a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Franchise Group Inc., the Delaware-based parent company of American Freight. As part of this move, all 328 American Freight stores across 41 states will soon shut down, including 30 locations in Texas, which is among the states hit hardest by the closures.

TEXAS LOCATIONS:

  • Allen
  • Amarillo
  • Arlington
  • Austin
  • Waco
  • Bryan
  • Carrollton
  • Corpus Christi
  • Dallas
  • El Paso
  • Ft. Worth
  • Grand Prairie
  • Houston (4)
  • Lubbock
  • McAllen (2)
  • Mesquite
  • Port Arthur
  • San Angelo
  • San Antonio (3)
  • Sherman
  • Spring
  • Texarkana
  • Webster
  • Wichita Falls

According to USA Today, Franchise Group said that American Freight is closing due to "sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges facing the large durable goods sector." This means that high costs and economic pressures in the furniture and home goods market made it tough for American Freight to stay profitable.

American Freight will hold going-out-of-business sales at all its locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail, a company that manages liquidation sales, is overseeing these closures. Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail, said, “Everything is on sale and must be sold.” This could be a good chance for Louisiana shoppers to snag deals on furniture and home items before stores close for good.

If you’re in Texas and looking for a bargain, you might want to check out the sales before American Freight locations close permanently.

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Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

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