American Signature

For the former department store chain also called Value City, see Value City.

American Signature, Inc.

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Retail, Manufacturing
Founded	1948 (1948)
Founder	Jerome Schottenstein
Headquarters	Columbus, Ohio , United States
Number of locations	120
Key people	Jay Schottenstein
Products	Furniture
Owner	Jay Schottenstein
Parent	Schottenstein Stores
Website	americansignaturefurniture.com vcf.com

File:Value City Furniture Store Westland Michigan.JPG

Value City Furniture retail location in Westland, Michigan

American Signature, Inc. operates as a privately held furniture company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It serves as the parent organization for the retail chains American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture, along with the manufacturing brand American Signature.

The retail outlets American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture offer residential furnishings produced by American Signature, Inc., in addition to merchandise from over 30 other manufacturers. These products are available through 125 stores situated throughout the East Coast, Midwest, and Southeastern regions of the United States.

History

Entrepreneur E.L. Schottenstein initially ran a clothing business but transitioned to furniture sales in the early 20th century, responding to increased demand fueled by the post-World War II baby boom. Identifying growth potential, he established a distinct entity focused on furniture retailing, which was eventually named Value City Furniture.Template:Fix/category

Alvin Schottenstein and Value City Furniture

In 1948, Alvin Schottenstein, son of E.L. Schottenstein, assumed leadership over the family's furniture division and the Value City Furniture brand.

Jay Schottenstein and American Signature, Inc.

Jay Schottenstein became part of Value City Furniture in 1976, ascending to the role of company president by 1984. The proprietary furniture brand American Signature was introduced in 1995 and was initially retailed through Value City Furniture outlets.

Recognizing the potential for growth and the need for independence from department stores, Jay spearheaded the creation of American Signature, Inc. in 2002. This move eventually led to a full separation from Schottenstein Stores Corporation.

American Signature, Inc. assumed the position of parent company for both the retail chain Value City Furniture and the manufacturing label American Signature. In 2003, the company unveiled its American Signature Furniture retail brand, inaugurating its first location in Nashville, Tennessee.

Today

Currently, American Signature, Inc. operates 120 stores across 18 states under the banners of American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture. Their product range includes furniture for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms, as well as a variety of home décor items and outdoor patio furnishings.