LANE COLLAPSES.

United Furniture Industries, whose business included the venerable Lane Furniture brand, laid off its entire workforce in late November through email and text after suddenly halting operations in California, Mississippi and North Carolina. More than 2,700 workers were impacted company-wide, including 530 employees who worked in multiple Triad facilities in North Carolina.

The decision came as a result of "unforeseen business circumstances," a company email noted. Some affected employees in Mississippi and California have initiated lawsuits for lost wages. Retailers remain uncertain regarding equipment and inventory.

United Board Chair David Belford, in a statement provided to the Columbus Business First newspaper in Ohio, said the company's board was not aware of its severe financial problems until it was too late. "This is not the...