Waltman Furniture to cease operations after 75 years

Family-owned furniture retailer in Pennsylvania to liquidate assets and close down

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:51am

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A minimalist, high-end studio still life photograph featuring a collection of premium wooden furniture pieces, including a table, armchair, and sideboard, arranged elegantly against a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the bittersweet end of a family business legacy.The closure of a family-owned furniture store after 75 years of service marks the end of an era for a community.Chicora Today

After 75 years in business, Waltman Furniture Co., a family-owned furniture retailer based in Chicora, Pennsylvania, is going out of business. The company, founded in 1951 by Vernon Waltman, will be liquidating its inventory and assets through a sale handled by Planned Furniture Promotions. The company's second location in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, which opened in 2016, will be closed as part of the wind-down process, and the company's founder, Frank Waltman, will be retiring.

Why it matters

The closure of Waltman Furniture marks the end of a long-standing family business that had served the Butler and Armstrong counties in Pennsylvania for generations. The news reflects the broader challenges facing independent furniture retailers as they compete with larger chains and the shift to online shopping.

The details

Waltman Furniture was founded in 1951 by Vernon Waltman in Chicora, Pennsylvania, with the mission of providing excellent customer service. The company grew to include a second 60,000-square-foot location in Kittanning that opened in 2016. In June 2023, the company consolidated its operations into the Kittanning location and closed its flagship store in Chicora. The company's liquidation sale, which started on April 9, 2026, is being handled by Planned Furniture Promotions and includes furniture, mattresses, and accessories from major brands.

  • Waltman Furniture was founded in 1951 by Vernon Waltman.
  • In 1982, Vernon's son, Frank Waltman, took over the family business.
  • In 2016, Waltman's opened a 60,000-square-foot second location in Kittanning.
  • In June 2023, the company consolidated its operations into the Kittanning location and closed its flagship location in Chicora.
  • The liquidation sale started on April 9, 2026.

The players

Vernon Waltman

The founder of Waltman Furniture Co. in 1951, with the mission of providing excellent customer service.

Frank Waltman

The son of Vernon Waltman who took over the family business in 1982.

Planned Furniture Promotions

The company handling the liquidation sale of Waltman Furniture's inventory and assets.

Tom Liddell

The senior vice president of Planned Furniture Promotions.

Chuck Swidzinski

The contact person for those interested in purchasing the Waltman Furniture building.

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What they’re saying

“Frank and his family have built an exceptional legacy. Their dedication to customer service earned the trust of generations of customers, and we're proud to support them through this final chapter.”

— Tom Liddell, Senior Vice President, Planned Furniture Promotions

What’s next

The liquidation sale at Waltman Furniture's Kittanning location will continue until all inventory is sold. After the sale, the 100,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse building will be available for purchase.

The takeaway

The closure of Waltman Furniture, a long-standing family business in Pennsylvania, is a sign of the challenges facing independent furniture retailers as they compete with larger chains and the shift to online shopping. The company's dedication to customer service, however, has left a lasting legacy in the community.