Case filing & court posture: Howard's Appliances, Inc., a 79-year-old Southern California appliance retailer, filed a Chapter 11 petition on December 10, 2025 in the Central District of California (Case No. 2:25-bk-21116-BB). Dkt. 1 Judge Barbara Bloom presides. The Debtor immediately commenced liquidation, permanently ceasing store operations.
Liquidity & financing path: The Debtor secured interim cash collateral authorization on December 22, 2025 through secured creditors Northpoint Commercial Finance, Whirlpool Corporation, Haier US Appliance, and others. Dkt. 60 Cash collateral usage is capped at 110% of budgeted monthly expenditures for operational and professional costs. A final stipulation extended cash collateral authority through March 31, 2026. Dkt. 113-114
Restructuring outcome: The Debtor filed a Chapter 11 Liquidating Plan on December 12, 2025, proposing establishment of a Liquidating Trust to manage asset sales and claim reconciliation. Dkt. 17 The Plan contemplates completion of inventory liquidation with any remaining property distributed through the trust.
Plan effective date & post-confirmation: The Plan's Effective Date will be fourteen (14) days after entry of the confirmation order (provided no stay remains). Dkt. 17 On the Effective Date, the Liquidating Trust assumes responsibility for collecting and distributing remaining estate assets to creditors.
Current status: As of the most recent docket entry (February 5, 2026), the case remains pending confirmation proceedings. Dkt. 114 No final decree or order closing the case has been entered. Cash collateral authority extends through March 31, 2026 pending plan confirmation.
