'Now Open': Joliet's New Furniture, Appliance Store, American Freight

JOLIET, IL — A giant red, white and blue inflatable bald eagle is displayed on the sidewalk of Joliet's North Ridge Plaza on Larkin Avenue where Friday marked the grand opening for the new American Freight store.

American Freight sells new furniture, mattresses, appliances and more. The company has more than 450 locations across the nation, including Racine, Wisconsin, and nearby locations in Naperville, Tinley Park and Darien.

And now Joliet, the third-largest city in Illinois, is home to one.

American Freight will have several giveaways and sales discounts this weekend, marking its grand opening the store. Joliet's brand new American Freight store is managed by Shahed Atieh, whose photo is below.

One of the company investors told Joliet Patch's editor during Friday's interview that some people see the name "American Freight and think it's a trucking company."

All the furniture, appliances and beds and mattresses are new, he emphasized. This is not a hand-me-down store.

"We buy wholesale, name brand furniture, appliances, mattresses, we have everything in store and so we offer same day delivery or customers can do same day pickup," he explained.

A portion of the Hobby Lobby store was used to create the new Joliet retail business, which has been undergoing construction since last August.

American Freight is now from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Its address is 1396 N. Larkin Ave.

Patch asked Friday's company investor why American Freight chose Joliet.

"It's a market we always studied," he said. "We want to be able offer people discounted pricing on all inventory. All our appliances our discounted. We offer layaway financing, $50 down. Everything is new and boxed."