Attorney General Ellison issues consumer alert about Lumber Liquidators bankruptcy

Chanhassen, Rochester, and St. Cloud stores to close as part of company’s bankruptcy restructuring

August 30, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is alerting Minnesotans that on August 11, 2024, flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators filed for bankruptcy restructuring in Delaware federal district court. As part of its proposed restructuring plan, Lumber Liquidators reports that it plans to close three of its seven stores in Minnesota — specifically its stores in Chanhassen (2973 Water Tower Place), Rochester (5139 Highway 52N), and St. Cloud (3320 Division Street West). Lumber Liquidators’ four other store Minnesota locations are in Blaine, Burnsville, Duluth, and Woodbury.

What Minnesota consumers need to know:

1. Deadline to use of gift cards at Chanhassen, Rochester, and St. Cloud Store Locations

As part of its bankruptcy filing, Lumber Liquidators initially asked the bankruptcy court for permission to no longer accept customer gift cards at any store locations beginning on September 4, 2024. However, after a coalition of Attorneys General, including Minnesota, raised concerns with this proposal, Lumber Liquidators has agreed to modify its request.

Now, gift cards will be accepted at Lumber Liquidators closing store locations in Chanhassen, Rochester, and St. Cloud until September 19, 2024, after which they will no longer be accepted at these closing locations.  Gift cards will also continue to be accepted at Lumber Liquidators other Minnesota locations (that are not closing) without change.   This means that if you have a gift card from Lumber Liquidators that you want to use at the Chanhassen, Rochester, or St. Cloud store locations, you should use it as soon as possible and before September 19.

2. Pre-existing customer orders

Lumber Liquidators has also asked the bankruptcy court to place restrictions on existing orders in the following ways:

1. if you placed an order before August 11, 2024, you must pick up that order from Lumber Liquidators on or before September 11, 2024; and
2. all orders placed before August 11, 2024, cannot be adjusted for more than $3,350 in returns. Lumber Liquidators has proposed that customers who want refunds in excess of $3,350 should file a claim in the bankruptcy. 

Information on how to file a claim in Lumber Liquidators’ bankruptcy can be found on the website administered by Lumber Liquidators claims agent Stretto at https://cases.stretto.com/LLFlooring, where you will be directed on how to file a claim on the Customer FAQ link. Alternatively, you can send an email to TeamLLFlooring@stretto.com about how to file a claim.

3. Learn more about the bankruptcy

Consumers can find more information, including an FAQ about the bankruptcy, at: www.LLFlooringRestructuring.com.

Lumber Liquidators ultimately plans to pursue a sale of its remaining business within the bankruptcy process and reports it is actively negotiating a sale with multiple bidders. Lumber Liquidators has stated it hopes to have the bankruptcy court approve a proposed sale of its business by mid-September.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, along with other state attorneys general will continue to monitor and participate in the Lumber Liquidators’ bankruptcy to advocate for protecting consumers during the bankruptcy process.

Consumers or employees with concerns or complaints about the Lumber Liquidators’ bankruptcy or the closure of Lumber Liquidators’ store locations in Chanhassen, Rochester, and St. Cloud because of the bankruptcy should contact the Attorney General’s office by calling (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787, or by filing a complaint online on the Minnesota Attorney General’s website.