Business

120-Year-Old Badcock Furniture Closes All Stores Amid Bankruptcy

For over a century, Badcock Furniture & More has been a trusted name in home furnishings, serving customers across the southeastern United States. However, the company is now set to shut down all 380 of its stores, marking the end of a historic era in the retail industry.

The closure follows financial struggles faced by its parent company, Conn’s HomePlus, which acquired Badcock in late 2023. Conn’s later filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2024 due to mounting debt and declining sales. As a result, the long-standing furniture retailer will soon disappear entirely, with liquidation sales already underway.

This marks a significant moment not only for loyal customers but also for the furniture industry as a whole, as another legacy brand succumbs to economic pressures, shifting consumer habits, and the challenges of modern retail.


A Storied History of Badcock Furniture

Badcock Home Furniture & More has roots dating back to 1904 when it was founded by Henry Stanhope Badcock in Mulberry, Florida. What started as a small, two-room general store quickly grew into a successful furniture business that spanned generations.

In 1920, Henry’s son, Wogan S. Badcock Sr., took ownership of the store, purchasing it for just $1.78 and a $9,000 promissory note. This decision proved pivotal, as he expanded the business throughout Florida and the Southeast over the following decades.

By the mid-20th century, Badcock Furniture had revolutionized furniture retail with its unique “dealer” model. This system allowed independent owners to operate stores under the Badcock brand while benefiting from its supply chain, marketing, and financing programs. This strategy fueled rapid growth, enabling the company to expand across multiple states.

At its peak, Badcock Furniture operated more than 370 stores across eight states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The company’s focus on providing affordable furniture, flexible financing, and customer-first policies made it a staple in American households for generations.

Despite its long-term success, however, the retail landscape began to change, and Badcock Furniture faced increasing competition from online retailers, big-box stores, and shifting consumer preferences.


Acquisition and Financial Turmoil

In December 2023, Badcock Home Furniture & More was acquired by Conn’s HomePlus, a major home goods and appliance retailer. Conn’s hoped to leverage Badcock’s strong regional presence to strengthen its position in the home furnishings market.

However, the timing of the acquisition was far from ideal. The retail industry was already struggling due to inflation, economic uncertainty, and declining consumer spending. As financial pressures mounted, Conn’s found itself burdened with nearly $2 billion in debt, leading the company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2024.

As part of its restructuring plan, Conn’s announced the closure of 106 underperforming stores, including 35 Badcock locations. The move was intended to stabilize the company’s finances, but it wasn’t enough to keep Badcock Furniture afloat.

By August 2024, Conn’s made the difficult decision to shut down the entire Badcock brand. All remaining Badcock stores began liquidation sales, offering steep discounts to clear out inventory before permanently closing their doors.

The announcement came as a shock to many, especially long-time customers who had relied on the brand for generations. For thousands of employees and independent dealers, the closure meant job losses and an uncertain future.


What Happens to Existing Customers?

With Badcock Furniture shutting down, many customers have raised concerns about their existing purchases, financing agreements, and warranties.

The company has assured customers that:

  • All current layaway and financed purchases will be honored through the liquidation period.
  • Customers with extended warranties will still receive coverage through third-party providers.
  • Gift cards and store credit can be used during the ongoing clearance sales.

Despite these reassurances, many shoppers remain worried about service disruptions, especially for warranties and future repairs. Consumer watchdog groups have advised customers to carefully review their agreements and act quickly if they need assistance before the stores officially close.


The Impact on the Furniture Industry

Badcock Furniture closure is part of a larger trend affecting furniture and home goods retailers. The industry has faced significant disruptions over the past few years, with multiple well-known brands filing for bankruptcy or shutting down entirely.

Some key factors contributing to these challenges include:

1. Inflation and Rising Costs

Higher prices for raw materials, shipping, and labor have increased operating costs for furniture companies. Many retailers have struggled to pass these costs on to consumers without losing sales.

2. Shift to E-Commerce

The rise of online shopping has reshaped the industry, with consumers preferring to buy furniture from digital retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Ashley Furniture. Many brick-and-mortar chains, including Badcock, struggled to compete with the convenience and pricing of e-commerce giants.

3. Declining Consumer Spending

With inflation and economic uncertainty affecting household budgets, many consumers have cut back on discretionary spending, including big-ticket items like furniture. This decline in demand has put additional strain on retailers.

4. Increased Competition

Large national retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Costco have expanded their home goods offerings, providing more competition for traditional furniture stores.

Badcock’s closure is just one example of how these factors are reshaping the retail landscape. Other furniture chains, including Bob’s Stores, Z Gallerie, and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, have also faced financial struggles in recent years.


A New Beginning for Former Badcock Dealers

While Badcock Furniture is closing its doors, some former franchisees and executives are already working on new ventures.

In January 2025, former Badcock executives Robert Ball and Matt Pridemore announced the launch of Hometown Furniture, a new brand that aims to replace some of the lost Badcock Furniture locations. The company has plans to reopen 30 stores across five states, partnering with 11 former Badcock Furniture dealers to continue serving local communities.

In Orange Park, Florida, the former Badcock location has already been rebranded as Hometown Furniture, owned by long-time franchisees Chris Hage and Jamie Bliss. Their goal is to provide the same quality products and financing options that customers relied on from Badcock.

Similarly, in Statesboro, Georgia, Gibson McDonald Furniture has taken over a former Badcock Furniture store, ensuring continuity for local customers.

These transitions highlight the resilience of former Badcock dealers, who are determined to keep serving their communities despite the brand’s closure.


Conclusion: The End of an Era

The closure of Badcock Home Furniture & More marks the end of a 120-year legacy in the American retail industry. For decades, the brand provided quality furniture at affordable prices, helping families furnish their homes with ease.

While economic pressures and changing consumer habits led to the company’s downfall, the emergence of new ventures by former Badcock affiliates offers hope for the future. As the retail industry continues to evolve, businesses that adapt to market trends and prioritize customer needs will be the ones that survive and thrive.

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