W&J; Sloane filed for protection from creditors.

The Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Phoenix-based company does not affect the five W&J; Sloane furniture stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties, which are owned and operated by RB Industries of Irvine. RB uses the W&J; Sloane name under a licensing agreement. W&J; Sloane Corp., formerly John F. Lawhon Furniture, said rapid expansion resulted in “severe trade difficulties” that were complicated by a slowdown in sales.