Another long-standing furniture retailer has abruptly shut down, leaving employees without warning just days before Christmas. Circle Furniture, a family-owned New England chain with nearly 70 years of history, closed all eight of its stores across Massachusetts and New Hampshire in late December 2025. Staff were informed by email on December 19 that locations would close "until further notice," followed by a second message on December 23 confirming that all employees were being laid off effective immediately.
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According to regional media reports, the company employed around 65 people at the time of closure. Despite this, no Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filing had appeared on state records as of late December. Under U.S. labour law, employers with more than 50 employees are generally required to provide 60 days' notice before mass layoffs, unless limited exceptions apply. Failure to comply can expose companies to liability for back pay and benefits.
Circle Furniture was founded in the early 1950s in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and expanded over decades into a recognised regional retailer. The company built its reputation on quality craftsmanship, local sourcing and community engagement, operating showrooms across Greater Boston, Cape Cod and southern New Hampshire. While some employees were aware the business faced financial strain, the sudden shutdown, particularly just before the holidays, came as a shock.
The closure reflects broader pressure across the furniture sector in 2025. Weak consumer spending, high interest rates, inflation and tariff-related costs have weighed heavily on retailers. Circle Furniture joins a growing list of furniture chains that have closed stores or sought bankruptcy protection, highlighting the ongoing strain facing the industry and its workforce.
Source: www.thestreet.com
