PITTSBURGH — With Art Van Furniture going out of business and liquidating its assets, Robert Levin, the former owner and president of Pittsburgh-based Levin Furniture, announced Thursday he is coming out of retirement to purchase his company's assets from Art Van, saving Levin Furniture from going out of business and ultimately saving 1,200 jobs across the region, according to a news release and company representatives.
On Wednesday evening, Levin reached an agreement to acquire the Pennsylvania and Ohio assets of Levin Furniture and Wolf Furniture through a court restructuring of the parent company Art Van Furniture, LLC. The purchase will save 1,200 jobs between Levin Furniture and Wolf Furniture locations in Ohio and across the region.
“I’m coming back as the owner of Levin Furniture for the employees who were at risk of losing their jobs,” Levin said in a news release. “They are the most loyal, dedicated, and hardworking people I’ve ever known. It will be a privilege and honor to once again lead this company as we prepare to celebrate 100 years in the furniture and mattress business.” About 1,200 jobs across Ohio and Pennsylvania will be saved.
According to News 5 affiliate Fox 17, Art Van Furniture is closing all of its locations and beginning liquidation sales.
"Despite our best efforts to remain open, the Company's brands and operating performance have been hit hard by a challenging retail environment," said Diane Charles, Art Van Furniture spokesperson. "We recognize the extraordinary retail, community and philanthropic legacies that Art Van Furniture has built for decades in the community."
There are 141 Art Van Furniture stores across the Midwest, according to the company's website. There are 39 Levin Furniture stores in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and 17 Wolf Furniture locations in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Founded in 1920 in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania by Robert Levin’s grandparents, Levin Furniture will celebrate its 100-year anniversary later this year.
