The French furniture brand Alinea, which is part of the Mulliez family business empire, is on the verge of liquidation following the withdrawal of its only potential buyer. This development follows two judicial recoveries and has left employees anxious about their job security. With Alinea initially seen as a brand with a promising future, the unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern amongst its staff and the broader retail community.

Alinea had opened its last store in August of the previous year at a shopping center in Sarrebourg, Moselle. This location was touted as the 36th store in their network and was part of their strategy to enhance local engagement and customer inspiration. However, the optimism surrounding this opening has abruptly shifted to uncertainty as the company struggles to find a new buyer willing to continue operations and retain jobs for a significant portion of its workforce.

Founded in 1989 in Aubagne, Alinea has been under judicial protection since November 2025 due to financial difficulties. The anticipation of an imminent sale to protect the company and its employees now seems bleak, leaving the future of Alinea and its employees hanging in the balance as no replacements for the withdrawn buyer are in sight. The situation reflects the vulnerability of retail businesses and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing economic environment.