American Sale has never been a traditional retailer. The 66-year-old chain sells patio furniture, pools, hot tubs, game room supplies (like pool tables and dartboards), and a massive selection of Christmas merchandise.
It’s a company based in Chicago, a part of the country that’s not known for having a long pool season. It has managed to thrive for decades, partly by becoming a huge source of Christmas decorations to make it through the winter months.
That’s an impressive run, but it’s coming to an end.
American Sale will close all of its stores in early 2027. Liquidation sales are already underway and are taking place in all of the chain’s locations as well as on its website.
American Sale tried to sell itself
American Sale was put up for sale, and a deal appeared to be made.
“After 66 years of proudly operating as a family-owned business, the Jones family is currently in the process of finalizing a sale with new ownership for American Sale,” the company shared in a press release.
“This is an important moment in the history of American Sale,” said the Jones family. “After 66 years, we are incredibly thankful for everyone who has supported our family and our business.”
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That sale has fallen through, as the company has issued a new press release detailing the shutdown.
“Earlier this year, the company had announced a sale of the business to a new owner. However, it has now been released that the transaction is no longer attainable, and the company will proceed to conclude operations sometime in early 2027,” the company shared.
Tiger Group is running a going-out-of-business sale
American Sale has hired Tiger Group and Hyper Group to conduct what it’s calling a Total Liquidation Sale.
“Customers can find once-in-a-lifetime savings up to 70% off already reduced prices on above-ground pools, patio furniture, hot tubs, Christmas décor, and more. Financing is still available on purchases, as well as home delivery options,” Tiger Group shared.
Manufacturer warranties remain in effect as applicable. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers may also shop at www.americansale.com while supplies last.
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American Sale has a deep history
Founded in 1959 by the late Robert Jones Sr., American Sale actually began its existence as a toy store.
“American Sale has since evolved to offer the best selection of patio furniture, hot tubs, above-ground and in-ground pools, grills, billiard tables, swing sets, trampolines, and, of course, Chicagoland’s largest selection of the finest artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor,” the company shared on its website.
Having previously run a large toy store, it seems that Jones learned an important lesson from that business — diversify to protect from seasonality.
Toy stores struggle outside of the holiday season, so it’s important to sell things that draw consumers in at other times of the year.
For American Sale, the chain used Christmas merchandise to balance its seasonal pool, backyard, and spa business.
That, however, may not be enough anymore because many of the items American Sale sells have become commoditized.
“Physical stores have to give customers a reason to show up,” RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino told TheStreet.
Losing regional giants like American Sale, he noted, is losing part of America’s soul.
“There’s something sad about losing these regional stores. They’re the places you grew up visiting with your parents, and eventually you took your own kids. You might not remember what you bought, but you remember going. Now we’re replacing all that with the same five stores everywhere. Sure, it’s convenient, but does every town in America really need to look like the same shopping center with a different ZIP code?” he added.
Miserandino laments the sameness that has taken over much of the country.
“On a recent conference trip, I truly started getting confused about which city I was in when each store looked the same,” he shared.
American Sale has not shared a specific reason for closing, and the chain has not filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
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