Furniture retailer to shutter local stores

American Freight, a prominent furniture retailer, is shuttering its stores in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa due to bankruptcy filings by its parent company, Franchise Group Inc. This move is part of a broader strategy that will see all 328 American Freight locations nationwide close their doors. In a bid to clear out inventory, the retailer is offering discounts of up to 30% on remaining stock, appealing to bargain hunters in the area. The Tampa Bay area will be particularly affected, with seven locations in the region set to close.

This decision not only impacts local employees but also raises questions about the future of furniture retail in the region. The closures come amid a challenging retail landscape, as many brick-and-mortar stores struggle to compete with online shopping. Community members are left wondering about the implications for local jobs and shopping options. The situation underscores the difficulties faced by traditional retailers as they navigate evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures.