After nearly half a century of helping Americans decorate their homes on a budget, At Home may be facing its final chapter. The beloved home décor chain is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy, marking a dramatic turn for a brand once seen as a rising star in the retail space. As financial pressures mount and store closures loom, here’s what we know so far.
At Home Reportedly Nearing Bankruptcy, Store Closures Expected
One of America’s most recognizable home décor retailers—and a key competitor to HomeGoods—appears to be on the brink of bankruptcy. At Home is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 protection, a move that could result in the closure of a significant number of its stores.
Speculation about the company’s financial troubles has circulated for months, but recent reports suggest a filing could be imminent. The clearest sign yet came when At Home missed a crucial interest payment on May 15th—a strategic move often signaling plans to seek bankruptcy protection.
While missing a payment could trigger loan foreclosure, it’s also a common tactic to encourage renegotiation with lenders. The retailer has until June 30th to resolve the missed payment, but industry experts believe a bankruptcy filing is the more likely path.
If the company moves forward with Chapter 11, it is expected to shutter roughly 10% of its 200 locations immediately—about 20 stores—with the possibility of more closures to follow as restructuring efforts unfold.
What Went Wrong: The Factors Fueling At Home’s Financial Crisis
At Home was one of the many retailers that saw a pandemic-era boom, as consumers, confined to their homes, focused on upgrading their living spaces. From building home offices to replacing worn-out furniture, shoppers drove a surge in home goods sales, helping the chain enjoy a significant boost in business.
But that surge came with a catch. The early rush on home improvement projects pulled future demand forward, disrupting normal buying cycles and creating erratic sales patterns. Retailers across the industry—from Best Buy to Lowe’s and Home Depot—have since experienced volatile quarters as a result, and At Home has been no exception.
Compounding the issue, reports have pointed to U.S. trade policy as another contributor to At Home’s current financial troubles. The company has blamed tariffs introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration for inflating costs and adding pricing uncertainty across its product range. These tariffs have not only driven up prices but have also cooled discretionary spending, as consumers became more cautious with their wallets.
With most of At Home’s merchandise sourced from China, the country most affected by the tariffs, the impact has been particularly severe. Although the company has attempted to diversify its supply chain, such a transition is far from simple or swift, adding another layer of pressure to an already challenging situation.
A Look at At Home: Its Origins and Offerings
At Home began its journey in 1979 under the name Garden Ridge, originally operating as a home décor and craft store. Over the decades, the company evolved significantly, rebranding as At Home in 2014 to better reflect its broader focus on stylish, affordable home furnishings. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, the brand grew to operate 200 stores across the United States, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for home transformation.
Known for its massive, warehouse-style stores, At Home offers an extensive assortment of products for every room in the house. Its inventory includes everything from furniture and rugs to lighting, wall décor, kitchenware, seasonal items, and outdoor furnishings.
As the company describes on its website:
“For over 46 years, At Home has been a trusted destination for stylish, approachable design, offering everything a decorator may need to transform their space into a true reflection of who they are, how they want to live, and the memories they aim to create at home. Discover everything for every room, from Furniture, Rugs and Décor to Bedding, Bath, Outdoor and more. Explore curated collections, incredible seasonal selections and unique pieces that show off your signature style. Design your life At Home,” the company shared.
With its wide-ranging selection and focus on personal expression, At Home built a reputation for helping customers turn houses into homes—until recent financial challenges cast a shadow over its future.
Source: TheStreet