54-year-old furniture chain closing forever as industry slumps
People very rarely need to buy furniture. Usually, it's a choice, and even then, you can usually scrounge up most items for very little on Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood message boards.
My wife and I, for example, once bought two twin beds still in their packaging from a planned bed-and-breakfast that never opened.
In cautious economic times, people can mostly pause, or even cancel, furniture purchases.
“Furniture, of course, is many times a discretionary and deferrable expense, so weakness in the overall economy or declines in consumer confidence, like we’ve seen the last few months, can impact consumers’ willingness to spend,” Laferriere, an assurance partner at Smith Leonard and member of its furniture practice group, told Homes.com.
Prices are not going to come down in the near future, which is something over which retailers don't have much control.
“There will be some impact on pricing as their costs have increased (not only because of tariffs), which ultimately must be passed along to consumers,” he said.
“Most ‘domestic’ manufacturers still have some exposure to tariffs, whether that be imported fabric, hardware, or other components; however, the average consumer does not shop for furniture every day or even every year, and many times buying decisions are made upon style or functionality rather than only price.
It's a market that has led a number of long-time players either filing for bankruptcy or simply closing their doors. Pennsylvania's Unclaimed Freight is joining that list as it started its going-out-of-business sale on Jan. 1 and will close forever at the end of February.
Unclaimed Freight is closing its doors forever
It's important to note that it's the Pennsylvania version of Unclaimed Freight that's shutting down. A chain using the same name and operating in the Midwest is not affiliated or impacted, as it continues to operate normally.
The Pennsylvania version of Unclaimed Freight used to operate multiple stores, but is down to one location.
Signs reading "Wall to wall savings," "Everything must go!" and "Store closing forever!" are displayed throughout the store, according to 69 News WMFZ.
The television station spoke with Unclaimed Freight's manager, Robert Hahn, who has been with the company for 48 years. He told them that all sales are final, and store fixtures are also available for purchase.
“We’re very grateful to the Lehigh Valley community and everyone who has supported the business over the years,” Hahn told 69 News. “We’ve loved serving everyone.”
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