News Summary
Badcock Home Furniture & More is closing several stores in Georgia, including two in Athens, due to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy by parent company Conn’s Home Plus. The decision affects locations in multiple cities and reflects ongoing challenges in the retail market, as consumer preferences shift towards online shopping. Liquidation sales will start soon, providing opportunities for local customers to purchase items before the closures, expected around October 31. The closures mark a significant trend affecting the furniture retail industry, highlighting evolving consumer habits and the need for retailers to adapt.
Athens, Georgia – Badcock Home Furniture & More is set to close several of its locations across Georgia, including two stores in Athens, as part of a restructuring effort following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by its parent company, Conn’s Home Plus. The closures reflect the ongoing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar retailers in an evolving consumer marketplace.
The closure communications were delivered to employees through email on Thursday, shortly before public announcements began circulating. Affected locations in Georgia include stores in Athens, Grovetown, Cedartown, Marietta, Lawrenceville, and Toccoa, all confirmed on Badcock’s website. The Athens stores are located on Atlanta Highway and Lexington Road.
Badcock Home Furniture stores will remain operational for liquidation sales, expected to last between 60 to 90 days, with a target closure date around October 31. Employees at various Badcock stores reported that the brand is likely to be “pretty much gone,” as indicated by a manager at the Toccoa location. This store has been a fixture in the community for over 50 years.
The decision to shut down stores is part of broader financial difficulties faced by Conn’s Home Plus, which has filed for bankruptcy earlier this month and is anticipated to close more than 40 stores across multiple states, including Alabama. The closures of Badcock locations are not isolated incidents but part of a larger trend within the furniture retail industry characterized by declining sales and wider economic pressures.
In addition to the closures of Badcock stores, more than 70 Conn’s brand stores are also expected to be shuttered, as the company seeks to consolidate operations while dealing with shifting consumer preferences. Evidence indicates that younger shoppers increasingly favor online purchasing over traditional brick-and-mortar shopping, a transformation that has significantly impacted retail sales.
The manager of the Toccoa Badcock location described the announcement of the closures as a significant shock, particularly considering the long history of the store. The shift in consumer habits has been challenging for many in the furniture industry, evidenced by the closures now unfolding across the nation.
According to industry analysts, the trend of physical store closures in the furniture sector is likely to continue as companies adapt to new buying patterns and competition from e-commerce platforms. Retailers are under pressure to innovate their business models and meet the changing expectations of consumers who now prioritize convenience and fast delivery over in-store experiences.
As the liquidation sales begin, loyal customers of Badcock Home Furniture and community members in Athens and beyond will have the opportunity to purchase items from the stores before their final closing. The impact of these closures will be felt not only by the employees of Badcock but also by local communities that rely on accessible home furnishings.
The unfolding events surrounding Badcock Home Furniture and Conn’s Home Plus serve as a reminder of the broader phenomenon affecting many retailers today, highlighting the necessity for adaptation and resilience in an increasingly online marketplace.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Online Athens: Badcock Furniture Stores Closing
- Wikipedia: Bankruptcy in the United States
- The Bama Buzz: Badcock and Conn’s Closing Stores
- Google Search: Badcock Home Furniture closure
- Augusta Chronicle: Store Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail
- Now Habersham: Badcock Home Furniture Going Out of Business
- Google News: Badcock Home Furniture Bankruptcy
- WAFF: Badcock Going Out of Business
- Google Scholar: Retail Bankruptcy Trends
- Macon: Badcock Stores Closing
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AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
