SOUTH CAROLINA - The landscape of South Carolina retail is witnessing a major transformation as 2026 begins. From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, some of the most familiar names in home furnishings are either clearing out their showrooms or handing over the keys to new management. Whether it’s due to corporate bankruptcy or the well-earned retirement of local families, the "Store Closing" signs are a common sight this spring.
SOUTH CAROLINA - The landscape of South Carolina retail is witnessing a major transformation as 2026 begins. From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, some of the most familiar names in home furnishings are either clearing out their showrooms or handing over the keys to new management. Whether it’s due to corporate bankruptcy or the well-earned retirement of local families, the "Store Closing" signs are a common sight this spring.Here is the breakdown of the major changes hitting South Carolina’s furniture scene.
The National Exit: Value City & American Signature
The most significant hit to the state's "furniture rows" comes from the total liquidation of American Signature Inc. (ASI). After failing to find a buyer following their late 2025 bankruptcy filing, the company is shuttering every single one of its remaining stores nationwide.
In South Carolina, this impact is felt most heavily in Columbia, where both the Forum Drive and Columbiana Drive locations are currently in the final stages of liquidation. What were once bustling showrooms are now being emptied with discounts of up to 50% or more. For locals, these were go-to spots for modern sets, but as of early 2026, they are expected to be completely vacant by the end of the quarter.
End of an Era in the Lowcountry: Dixie Furniture
For nearly 80 years, Dixie Furniture & Mattress was a cornerstone of the Lowcountry. Founded by the Kirshtein family in 1946, the business served generations of South Carolinians. However, following a liquidation process that began in 2025, the final chapters are closing in early 2026.
The iconic locations at 5550 Rivers Avenue in North Charleston and 303 Robertson Boulevard in Walterboro have been marking the end of a 79-year legacy. These closures are particularly poignant for the community, as the buildings themselves—landmarks in their respective areas—are also being put up for sale, signaling a permanent departure from the local retail fabric.
A New Chapter in Goose Creek: Infinger to J&K
In Goose Creek, the news is a bit more of a "passing of the torch." After 60 years in business, the Infinger family announced the closure of Infinger Furniture. While the original brand is retiring, the building at 217 South Goose Creek Blvd isn't staying empty for long.
J&K Home Furnishings, another South Carolina-based company, acquired the assets and has been busy renovating the space. As of early 2026, the location is transitioning into J&K’s eighth store. While the Infinger name is departing, the site will remain a hub for home design, albeit with a fresh, updated look and a new "green" focus featuring solar power.
The Vista and the Upstate: Whit-Ash & Badcock
Other notable shifts have left gaps in the state’s urban centers:
- Whit-Ash Furniture (Columbia): After 52 years in the Vista, this family-owned fixture has officially ceased operations due to the owners' retirement. The massive 48,000-square-foot footprint is already being eyed for luxury redevelopment, marking a shift from retail to mixed-use space in downtown Columbia.
- Badcock Home Furniture & more: Following the bankruptcy of its parent company, Conn’s HomePlus, Badcock locations across the Upstate and the rest of the state have been liquidating. While some locations saw a quicker exit in late 2024, the final cleanup of remaining inventory and lease handovers has stretched into the early months of 2026.
Essential Tips for South Carolina Shoppers
If you are hunting for deals or dealing with a pending order from these closing retailers, keep these points in mind for the 2026 season:
Liquidation Sales Strategy At the remaining Value City and American Signature locations, the best deals are happening now. However, remember that "Final Sale" means exactly that—there are no returns or exchanges once the furniture leaves the loading dock.
Pending Orders and Deposits If you have an unfulfilled order with Value City or American Signature, you may need to act quickly. The company has moved to a formal claims process through the bankruptcy court. If your furniture isn't in the warehouse, getting a refund often requires filing as a creditor in the court proceedings.
The Transition of Warranties If you bought a protection plan through a third party (like Guardsman) at Dixie or Infinger, your coverage should still be valid. However, any "in-house" warranties offered specifically by the stores are likely to expire alongside the business licenses.
A Changing Skyline
It’s bittersweet to see these multi-generational businesses go. They represent a time when furniture shopping was a Saturday afternoon event involving the whole family. As these locations transition into new developments or online-delivery hubs, the era of the local "furniture king" is certainly evolving.
