Conn’s HomePlus was once a well-known name in the American retail market, especially across the South and Southeast. From living room furniture to refrigerators and TVs, Conn’s offered households everything they needed under one roof. Along with its products, the company was also famous for its in-house financing options, giving customers with limited credit the chance to buy now and pay later. But recently, news of Conn’s bankruptcy and going-out-of-business sales has left many people asking: What really happened to Conn’s?
History of Conn’s
Conn’s started more than 130 years ago as a small plumbing and heating business in Beaumont, Texas. Over time, it evolved into a major retailer specializing in furniture, electronics, appliances, and mattresses. The company built a strong reputation for affordable products and convenient payment plans. By the 2010s, Conn’s had expanded to over 500 stores across nearly 15 states, including Texas, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Its unique model—part retailer, part financing company—helped it stand out in a competitive market.
Conn’s Going Out of Business Sale
In July 2024, Conn’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, announcing the closure of all its stores nationwide. Almost immediately, “going out of business” sales began across hundreds of locations, with discounts ranging from 30% to 60% off. The liquidation covered not only Conn’s HomePlus stores but also its sister chain, Badcock Home Furniture & More. Liquidation managers stepped in to sell off inventory, including sofas, mattresses, washing machines, TVs, and home décor. The sales drew crowds of bargain hunters, but for loyal shoppers, it was also a bittersweet farewell.
What Products Was Conn’s Known For?
Conn’s business strategy was based on providing a large assortment of beds, electronics, appliances, and furnishings. Unlike many competitors, Conn’s also sold service agreements, extended warranties, and in-house financing plans. Customers could walk in and leave with a new refrigerator, sofa set, or flat-screen TV, often without needing approval from an outside bank. This made Conn’s especially popular among middle- and lower-income families who needed flexible credit options.
What Happened to Conn’s Brand?
Conn’s was more than just a furniture store—it was a brand that combined retail and lending. But the same strategy that fueled its growth also led to its downfall. Heavy reliance on financing meant that when customers struggled to pay back loans, Conn’s took big financial hits. As delinquencies grew and competition from Amazon, Wayfair, and discount chains like Ashley Furniture increased, Conn’s lost its footing. By mid-2024, the company had no choice but to shut down operations and liquidate assets, effectively ending the Conn’s brand as shoppers knew it.
Causes Behind Conn’s Closure
Several factors led to Conn’s collapse:
- Rising loan defaults – Too many customers fell behind on financing payments.
- Economic pressure – Inflation and higher living costs reduced consumer spending.
- Competition – Online retailers and larger furniture chains offered cheaper, faster options.
- Inventory struggles – The company carried too much unsold stock, adding financial stress.
Together, these issues made it impossible for Conn’s to recover, even after attempts to restructure.
Customer Impact: What Happens to Loyal Shoppers?
For long-time shoppers, Conn’s closure was frustrating. Customers who relied on Conn’s credit programs lost a financing partner, while others worried about warranties and service contracts. During liquidation, most warranties and protections were transferred to third-party providers, but the trust that Conn’s once had in many communities has faded. For shoppers, the closure meant adjusting to new retailers for both products and financing.
Which Brands Replaced Conn’s in the Market?
As Conn’s stores closed, competitors quickly moved into its former spaces. Retailers like Burlington, Dunham’s Sports, and discount furniture chains began opening in old Conn’s locations. Online giants like Amazon and Wayfair also absorbed many of Conn’s former customers by offering competitive prices and financing through credit cards or buy-now-pay-later apps. In the brick-and-mortar world, chains such as Ashley Furniture and Rooms To Go have expanded their presence, filling the gap Conn’s left behind.
Conclusion
Conn’s HomePlus is no longer the retail powerhouse it once was. From its humble beginnings in Texas to becoming a regional giant, the company left its mark on American households. But financial mismanagement, economic pressure, and shifting consumer habits ultimately brought Conn’s down. For loyal shoppers, its going-out-of-business sale marked the end of an era. Still, the retail landscape continues to evolve, with new brands stepping in to serve the needs Conn’s once fulfilled.
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