Home goods retail chain confirms September 30 closing down date for 30 stores – and launches everything must go sale

A POPULAR home goods retail chain has confirmed the shuttering of 30 stores next month as it launches a massive closing-down sale.

The final trading day will be on September 30 just weeks after the firm filed for bankruptcy.

Alamy

At Home is shutting tens of stores across dozens of states[/caption]

At Home bosses revealed stores located across 15 states including California, Florida, Illinois and Indiana will be affected.

The popular homeware retailer sells everything from lighting, patio furniture and decor.

Now as the locations wind down their operations, shoppers can expect to see 30 per cent off sales storewide, representing a “limited-time opportunity” for them to save on a wide selection of products.

In June, the company shared that it would be shutting 26 locations across 12 states as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

At Home is receiving assistance throughout the process from Hilco Consumer – Retail, the retail liquidation firm that helped major chains such as Blockbuster, Toys R Us, and Bed Bath & Beyond host their going-out-of-business sales.

“These six stores are offering some of the best deals shoppers will see all year – but only for a short time,” a spokesperson for Hilco Consumer – Retail said in the press release.

“Customers who want the best selection on furniture, décor, and seasonal finds should shop early before the most popular items disappear.”

The sales at the closing stores are expected to run until all merchandise, fixtures, and store equipment is sold.

BANKRUPTCY BUST

At Home officially filed for bankruptcy protections on June 16 due to its sales slump, nearly $2 billion in debt, and a number of economic pressures.

For example, inflation resulted in both higher store prices as well as a more cautious shopper, hesitant to spend money on discretionary goods.

Reduced foot traffic and tariff-related costs have also hurt At Home, which sources a significant portion of its inventory from China.

The firm’s CEO Brad Weston admitted in a statement that the company is “operating against the backdrop of an increasingly dynamic and rapidly evolving trade environment as we navigate the impact of tariffs.”

At Home is now taking steps to “improve our ability to compete in the marketplace in the face of continued volatility and increase the resilience of our business for the long term,” the top boss added.

As part of the bankruptcy process, the company will be restructured to eliminate its billions of dollars in debt.

At Home will also be given $200 million in funding to keep the company operational throughout the bankruptcy proceedings.

The home goods retailer will continue to fulfill orders, pay vendors, and run its loyalty program, intending to rework its operations throughout the Chapter 11 process and eventually exit bankruptcy.

When that happens, At Home “will move forward with new owners and a meaningfully strengthened balance sheet,” said Weston.

At Home is not the only company struggling in the current retail landscape.

For example, JCPenney sold off 119 stores five years after it filed for bankruptcy and closed 200 outlets across the US.

Plus, a legacy grocery brand has collapsed, forced to file for bankruptcy after 125 years in business.