1994
300
$200,000
$50,000
$799,000
No
American Freight is a well-established home goods retailer offering quality furniture, mattresses, and appliances at everyday low prices. Founded in 1994 in Lima, Ohio, the company has built a reputation for providing affordable home furnishings to a wide range of customers. With a focus on value and customer satisfaction, American Freight has become a trusted name in the industry.
In 2021, American Freight began franchising, expanding its reach and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to join the brand's success. The franchise model offers a proven business system, comprehensive support, and a strong brand presence, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to invest in the home goods retail sector.
Proven Business Model: American Freight's established operations and successful track record provide a solid foundation for franchisees.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support to help them succeed.
Strong Brand Recognition: The American Freight brand is recognized for its commitment to quality and affordability, attracting a loyal customer base.
Scalable Opportunities: With a growing number of locations, franchisees have the potential to expand and operate multiple units.
Established Year & Founders:
American Freight was founded in 1994 in Lima, Ohio by a group of entrepreneurs who recognized a growing demand for affordable home furnishings. Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint across the United States, offering quality furniture, mattresses, and appliances at everyday low prices.
Company History & Brand Journey:
Starting as a single-store operation, American Freight steadily grew through a combination of strategic store openings and acquisitions. The brand focused on delivering value-driven home goods, earning a loyal customer base. In 2021, American Freight began franchising, opening the opportunity for entrepreneurs to invest in a proven retail concept. The company’s history reflects its commitment to affordability, customer satisfaction, and consistent growth.
Ownership:
American Freight is owned by Franchise Group, Inc., a parent company that manages multiple retail brands. This backing provides franchisees with financial stability, operational guidance, and access to a broader retail network.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
As of 2024, American Freight operates over 300 stores in more than 40 states across the USA. The company has established a strong presence in the home goods retail industry, serving customers in urban, suburban, and rural markets.
Industry Category:
The franchise falls under the Retail – Furniture, Mattress, and Appliances category. American Freight’s market positioning emphasizes high-quality, low-cost home furnishings, catering to middle-income households and budget-conscious consumers.
Reputation & Competitive Advantage:
American Freight is recognized for its reliable service, affordability, and wide product selection. Its franchise model combines a proven retail business system with ongoing support and marketing assistance, making it attractive for first-time and experienced franchise owners alike.
Before opening a franchise, American Freight assists franchisees with:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Guidance to choose high-traffic, strategic locations and negotiate favorable lease terms.
Store Design & Layout: Professional input on store setup, inventory placement, and visual merchandising to optimize customer experience.
Inventory Planning & Procurement: Assistance in stocking the right products for the local market, including furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
Grand Opening Strategy: Marketing and operational planning for a successful launch, including promotions and events.
Franchisees receive hands-on training to run daily store operations efficiently:
Retail Management Training: Covers store operations, inventory management, staffing, and workflow optimization.
Customer Service & Sales Techniques: Training to ensure high-quality service, drive sales, and build customer loyalty.
Point-of-Sale & Technology Systems: Guidance on using proprietary software for sales tracking, reporting, and operational management.
American Freight helps franchisees attract and retain customers through:
Local Marketing Guidance: Strategies for digital marketing, social media promotion, local advertising, and events.
National Brand Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from company-wide campaigns that increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic.
Promotional Material & Resources: Access to templates, signage, and promotional materials to maintain consistent brand messaging.
Even after launch, American Freight offers continuous support:
Field Support Team: Experts visit franchise locations to provide operational advice and troubleshoot challenges.
Performance Reviews & Reporting: Regular monitoring and feedback to optimize store performance and profitability.
Franchisee Network & Peer Collaboration: Opportunities to connect with other franchisees for sharing best practices and insights.
Continuous Education: Access to updated training modules, webinars, and industry knowledge to stay competitive.
Experience in retail management, sales, operations, or business ownership is highly valued.
Familiarity with inventory management, customer service, and staff supervision is a plus.
Individuals with prior experience in furniture, home goods, or related retail sectors may have an advantage but it is not mandatory.
Strong commitment to customer satisfaction and delivering high-quality service.
Entrepreneurial mindset with drive, discipline, and resilience to manage a business.
Ability to adapt to market trends and implement company systems efficiently.
Must have access to minimum liquid capital of $200,000 to cover initial investment requirements.
Ability to manage operational expenses, marketing budget, and working capital effectively.
Open to scaling or expanding by potentially operating multiple locations in the future.
Ideally suited for individuals interested in operating stores in high-demand areas for affordable home goods.
Franchisees should be community-oriented, capable of engaging local customers and understanding regional market preferences.
Must align with American Freight’s mission of affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Should be willing to follow the proven franchise system while bringing energy and leadership to their store.
| Financial Component | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $392,000 – $799,000 |
| Minimum Investment (Liquid Capital) | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | Up to $50,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of monthly sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Budget | $7,100 per month |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Varies by store size and location |
| Working Capital Requirement | Varies by location (approx. $50,000 – $100,000) |
| Franchise Units (USA) | 300+ stores across 40+ states |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18 – 24 months |
| Expected ROI | Varies based on location, operational efficiency, and market conditions |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Furniture, mattresses, appliances; financing options; delivery & installation services |
