A 134-year-old home goods retailer filed for bankruptcy and is closing more than 70 stores | CNN
Conn’s HomePlus, a veteran in the furniture and electronics retail world for 134 years, is facing a significant shake-up. The Texas-based company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which means it’s seeking court protection while it reorganizes its financial affairs. This move comes as a response to plunging sales and a general slowdown in discretionary spending—a trend hitting many retailers hard.
The company is set to close 73 of its 170 stores, with Florida taking the hardest hit, losing 18 locations. Texas, where Conn’s originated, is also heavily affected with 9 closures. States like Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, and Virginia will also see store shutdowns. Despite these closures, Conn’s is actively negotiating with potential buyers to keep parts of the business afloat and preserve jobs during this turbulent period.
The downturn in Conn’s fortunes isn’t an isolated case. Shares of the company have plummeted by over 90% this year, and it has received a delisting notice from Nasdaq, signaling severe financial distress. Additionally, Conn’s recent acquisition of W.S. Badcock, which added 35 more stores to their roster, hasn’t been enough to stem the tide of losses, with those locations also facing closure.
This situation reflects a broader challenge for furniture retailers, who are struggling to recover from a post-pandemic slump. As inflation remains a concern, big-ticket items like furniture are becoming less of a priority for budget-conscious consumers. Conn’s predicament mirrors struggles faced by other major players in the industry, including Z Gallerie, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and Wayfair, all of which have faced significant financial challenges in recent times……….[read more]
Rising Dough
How do the financial troubles of major retailers like Conn’s HomePlus impact the broader economy and the everyday consumer? Consider how shifts in retail health can ripple through the market, affecting everything from investor confidence to consumer spending habits.
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