is at home going out of business ?

Introduction

We have all been there. You are driving past your favourite shopping centre, planning to pick up some new throw pillows or a seasonal rug, when you see it: a massive, yellow and black banner screaming Store Closing or “Everything Must Go.

Panic sets in. Does this mean the entire company is collapsing? Is your go-to spot for affordable home décor disappearing forever?

Recently, this scenario has played out for fans of At Home, the Texas-based home décor superstore known for its warehouse-style aisles and endless selection.

Between social media chatter and local news reports about specific locations shutting their doors, confusion is at an all-time high. Shoppers are asking: Is At Home going out of business?

The short answer is: No, not entirely. But the long answer is a bit more complicated.

In this guide, we are going to cut through the noise. We will explain exactly what is happening with the company, why you might see liquidation sales in your area, and how to tell the difference between a brand restructuring and a total retail apocalypse.

The Big Question: Is At Home Going Out of Business Completely?

Let’s get straight to the point. At Home is not going out of business completely. The brand is not in a state of total liquidation, and the corporate entity has not ceased operations.

However, the rumours aren’t coming from nowhere. The retailer is actively closing specific locations across the United States.

When a national chain closes multiple stores in a short period, it triggers a “domino effect” of gossip. Shoppers see a closure in one state and assume it applies to the whole country.

The reality is that At Home is currently navigating a very difficult economic environment. Like many other big box retailers, they are dealing with:

Inflation is affecting how much customers spend.
Skyrocketing rent for massive warehouse spaces.
Supply chain costs for shipping large furniture items.

To survive, the company is engaging in what business analysts call “optimising its footprint.” In plain English? They are cutting off the dead weight to save the rest of the body.

Why Are People Saying At Home Is Closing?

If the company is still alive and kicking, why is the internet convinced it’s dying? There are three main reasons why these rumours catch fire so easily.

1. The Visibility of Liquidation Sales

Nothing scares a consumer base quite like a liquidation sale. When an individual At Home location closes, they often hire third-party liquidators to sell off the remaining stock. These companies use aggressive marketing tactics—people standing on street corners with signs, massive banners, and urgent social media ads. This high-visibility marketing makes a single store closure feel like a national emergency.

2. Confusion With Other Retailers

The home goods sector is struggling right now. We have seen giants like Bed Bath & Beyond and Tuesday Morning file for bankruptcy and close hundreds of stores. Because those brands are in the same niche (selling home goods and décor), consumers often lump At Home into the same category mentally. It’s “guilt by association.”

3. Debt and Financial Restructuring News

Financial news outlets often report on companies carrying high debt loads. At Home has been in the news for seeking ways to manage its debt. When headlines use words like “restructuring” or “refinancing,” the general public often interprets that as “bankruptcy,” even though they are very different things.

Why Do Retailers Close Stores If They Aren’t Bankrupt?

This is the part that confuses many shoppers. How can a store be open in one town and closed in the next?

Operating a store the size of an At Home location (which is essentially a massive warehouse) is incredibly expensive. Here are the logical reasons why specific locations get the axe while the brand survives:

Lease Expirations: Commercial leases usually run for 10 or 20 years. When a lease is up, the landlord might demand a rent increase that makes the store unprofitable. If At Home can’t negotiate a better deal, they simply walk away.
Market Saturation: Sometimes, a company opens too many stores too close together. If Store A is stealing customers from Store B, it makes sense to close one of them to consolidate sales and reduce overhead.
Demographic Shifts: Neighbourhoods change. An area that was booming with new homeowners ten years ago might now be stagnant. At Home relies on people buying items for new houses or renovations; if that activity slows down in a specific zip code, the store suffers.

Understanding Chapter 11 vs. Going Out of Business

It is important to understand a little bit of legal terminology, as this often scares customers unnecessarily.

If you hear rumours about At Home—or any retailer—filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, that does not mean the store is dead. Chapter 11 is a “reorganisation.” It allows a company to pause its debts, renegotiate leases, and close unprofitable stores so it can emerge stronger and profitable again.

In contrast, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is liquidation—selling everything and turning off the lights. As of right now, At Home is operating normally in the vast majority of its locations and is not in a Chapter 7 scenario.

What This Means for You: A Shopper’s Guide

So, what should you do if you have a gift card, a return, or just want to buy some patio furniture? Here is a practical guide for navigating the current situation.

If Your Local Store Is Open

Business as usual! You can shop, use gift cards, and make returns according to the standard policy. You might even notice more inventory in some sections as the brand moves stock from closed locations to active ones.

If Your Local Store Is Closing

If you see the dreaded yellow signs at your local branch, here is the strategy:

Shop Early for Selection: The good stuff (furniture, mirrors, rugs) goes first. If you wait for the 90% off signs, you will be left with broken ornaments and random kitchen gadgets.
Wait for Deep Discounts: If you are looking for small décor items, wait until the final weeks when discounts hit 50-70%.
Check the Return Policy: This is critical. Liquidation sales are almost always “All Sales Final.” Do not buy a rug hoping to return it if it doesn’t match your sofa. Once you buy it, it’s yours.
Use Gift Cards Immediately: If a specific store is closing, they may stop accepting gift cards after a certain date, or you may be forced to drive to a further location to use them.

Online Shopping Availability

Even if your local store closes, At Home maintains an e-commerce presence. They have invested in “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” (BOPIS) and delivery options. However, because they sell large, low-margin items, shipping can be pricey. It is often best to shop in person if you can.

The Future of At Home: Will They Survive?

The retail landscape is brutal, but At Home has a unique advantage: The Treasure Hunt Experience.

Unlike buying a sofa on Amazon, where you can’t touch the fabric or sit on the cushions, At Home offers a physical experience.

Their “warehouse” model keeps prices lower than boutique stores. Analysts believe there is still a strong market for budget-friendly home décor, especially as people look to update their homes without spending a fortune.

While we will likely see more underperforming stores close in 2024 and 2025, the brand appears to be positioning itself to stay in the game.

They are focusing on their “Insider Perks” loyalty program and trying to keep prices competitive to fight off Walmart and Target.

Conclusion

So, is At Home going out of business? No.

While the headlines can be scary, and seeing a local store close is disappointing, the brand is still alive. They are going through a painful but necessary period of restructuring to adapt to a changing world.

For shoppers, this means you need to be observant. Keep an eye on your local store’s status, use your gift cards sooner rather than later just to be safe, and take advantage of liquidation sales if they pop up in your area. The era of the “big box” store is changing, but for now, you can still find those aisles of endless pillows and patio sets.

Have you noticed changes at your local At Home store? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is At Home closing all its stores in 2024?
No. At Home is not closing all stores. They are closing specific underperforming locations to improve financial stability, but the majority of locations remain open for business.

2. Can I still use my At Home gift cards?
Yes, you can use gift cards at all open locations and online. However, if your specific local store is holding a liquidation sale, you should use the card immediately or verify if they are still accepting them during the final weeks of the sale.

3. Why are there so many rumours about At Home’s bankruptcy?
Rumours stem from the company’s high debt levels and the general trend of home goods retailers (like Bed Bath & Beyond) struggling. While At Home faces financial challenges, they are currently restructuring to avoid total collapse.

Links:-

Is At Home Going Out of Business? What Shoppers Really Need to Know