After Nearly 70 Years, American Sale Liquidating Ahead Of Ownership Change

TINLEY PARK, IL — A beloved Chicagoland outdoor living and holiday retailer going nearly 7 decades strong is changing hands, and its owners are liquidating ahead of the Christmas season.

American Sale, the 66-year-old family-owned retailer known for helping customers create high-end home and outdoor-living spaces, is undergoing a total liquidation featuring savings of up to 70 percent on premium pools, spas, patio furniture and other merchandise. The business has an Orland Park location at 16660 LaGrange Road.

The liquidation comes two years after the death of the company's founder, Bob Jones Sr. This year is the business' last under the Jones family; they are working with Tiger Capital Group and Hyper Group in the sale.

"This is an important moment in the history of American Sale," said the Jones family in a joint statement. "After 66 years, we have decided to move on from the retail business. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported our family and our business over the years. It's been a lot of hard work, but we are so proud of the legacy we have built, and we are grateful to our employees and customers who have been such an integral part of that journey."

The store features an extensive selection of trees, lights and décor. This year is the last under the Jones family, and the full holiday selection is part of the liquidation. Hot tubs, saunas and game tables are also included in the sale, with delivery available before Christmas.

"Now is the time to act if you’re looking for a major upgrade to your home or to your holiday decor," said Erica Steadman, Director of Marketing at American Sale. "Visit one of our seven store locations, and our experienced team can guide you through all the options, answer detailed questions on pools, patio furniture, hot tubs and more! Plus, they can easily coordinate financing, delivery, and installation for you. But you’ll need to act fast. Once a model is gone, it’s gone."

"American Sale represents one of the most recognized outdoor-living and recreation retailers in the Midwest," said Ryan Davis, Chief Operating Officer of Tiger Group. "This sale gives consumers access to a substantial inventory of premium merchandise at liquidation pricing."

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.

“Our highly trained product experts are on-hand to answer your questions, walk you through different models and help you create the backyard experience you have always dreamed of,” said Erica Steadman, Director of Marketing. “That means you can buy a pool, patio set, hot tub or sauna at unbelievable discounts and still get the white-glove service and professional installation you have come to expect from American Sale over the years.”

Death of 'Wise Mentor, Humble Leader'

The company's founder and CEO Bob Jones Sr. died Aug. 17, 2024, at 86 years old. Jones "was the epitome of an honest businessman and was born with an entrepreneurial mindset," the company said in a release.

Jones started building his business acumen as a young boy, selling soda pop to construction workers and flags to cemetery patrons visiting loved ones, and then as a teenager working as a barber in his father’s barber shop. But when he got married in 1958 and started his own family, his dream of opening his own business was even more fervent.

In 1959, he opened the first iteration of American Sale called "American Toy Distributors." The small toy company was located in Roseland, with its modest orange crates as shelves showcased Bob’s favorite children’s toys and was quite successful, family said.

Over the years, Bob’s product line shifted to his other interests, selling holiday items like artificial Christmas trees and decorations, as well as outdoor recreation products like above ground swimming pools and patio furniture.

With a new vision and new name, he officially founded American Sale Corporation in 1971.

Read more about Jones Sr. here.