At Home, a popular home goods retailer with over 260 stores nationwide, is facing serious financial trouble that could lead to store closures. The company, which has been a competitor to Crate and Barrel for nearly 50 years, missed an important interest payment on its debt by May 15, according to sources who spoke to Bloomberg. This has resulted in a forbearance agreement—a deal where lenders allow a delay in loan payments because of financial difficulties.
While At Home still has about $17.3 million in assets, the future of the company is uncertain. Sources say the company could file for bankruptcy within weeks. A spokesperson explained that At Home is working closely with financial partners and has made agreements to delay certain interest payments. This helps the company stay flexible as it tries to improve its situation.
Why Is At Home Struggling?
Bankruptcy rumors are not new for At Home. Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported the company might file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, partly because of concerns over tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. Since At Home sources most of its products from overseas, rising import costs due to tariffs have caused problems. The company has tried to change its supply chain by buying more products from countries like India instead of China.
The biggest challenge for At Home remains its large debt, which is around $2 billion. The company is still negotiating with creditors and landlords to find a solution. If bankruptcy happens, At Home could restructure its debt, get new financing, and create a plan to pay back creditors, or it might close stores and sell assets to cover debts.
What Happens If At Home Files for Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy could give At Home options to continue operating while fixing its finances. Restructuring debt can help the company stay open longer, but if that fails, store closures and liquidation might follow. For now, customers can still shop at At Home locations.
Recent Home Goods Retail Bankruptcies
At Home is not the only home goods retailer facing bankruptcy. Last year, Conn’s Home Plus, a major retailer with 170 stores, shut all its locations after struggling financially, partly due to the coronavirus pandemic. The company also owed about $2 billion. Conn’s Home Plus’s earlier purchase, Badcock Home Furniture, also closed its stores in early 2024.
This year has seen other notable bankruptcies as well. A well-known crafts company closed its final store after filing for bankruptcy in spring, and a popular pharmacy chain filed for bankruptcy twice this month.
At Home’s financial troubles highlight the difficulties many retail companies face today, especially with high debts and rising costs from tariffs. While the company works with lenders to stay afloat, bankruptcy remains a possible outcome that could change the future of its stores. Customers should stay updated but can still shop at At Home for now.
