For many Americans, this has become another alarming sign: a market that once seemed stable is now showing cracks. Analysts have been warning for months about sudden changes in consumer behavior — shrinking budgets, rising caution, and major home purchases being postponed “for later.” But the latest move by one major industry player has shocked even the skeptics.
The first warning signs appeared in the fall, when rumors began spreading across the country about massive clearance events, unusually deep discounts, and abrupt shipment cuts. The chain quietly began shutting down certain locations — supposedly “temporarily” — but employees understood perfectly well: this didn’t look like a pause. It looked like the end of an era.
Internal documents leaked to the press only deepened the concern: sales were collapsing, expenses rising, and creditors were pressing for answers. Online, customers shared their own theories, questioning why showrooms were empty and why popular furniture models suddenly disappeared from the catalog.
And only now has the mystery been officially revealed: one of America’s oldest and best-known furniture chains — American Signature — has filed for bankruptcy, the company behind Value City Furniture and American Signature Furniture.
The 75-year-old retailer confirmed it has filed for Chapter 11 and will close 33 stores, while its overall network includes more than 120 locations and nearly 3,000 employees.
In the bankruptcy documents, executives didn’t sugarcoat the explanation: “one of the most severe housing market declines in recent history.” It’s yet another sign of the broader crisis: furniture chains are collapsing, home-improvement stores report falling sales, and banks are pushing more properties into foreclosure.
American Signature began liquidation even before the formal filing and has now launched full-scale clearance events — offering discounts of up to 40%, including on items that were never discounted before. The company also said it will still hold its Black Friday sales both in-store and online.
The financial decline has been dramatic:
— net sales fell by nearly $150 million from 2024 to 2025;
— losses widened by another $52 million.
To keep operating even partially, the company is urgently seeking debt financing and a potential buyer. It’s a sharp contrast to the pandemic period, when lockdowns drove people to upgrade their homes and the company’s sales jumped 37% in 2021.
But like many others in the industry, American Signature couldn’t survive the post-pandemic downturn: demand plunged while costs remained high.
According to its bankruptcy petition, the company owes between $500 million and $1 billion. Major unsecured creditors include industry giants such as Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, and Ashley Furniture.
And perhaps the most telling detail: American Signature is far from alone. The U.S. furniture market is entering its deepest crisis in years — and experts warn this downturn is only the beginning.
