Massive furniture and decor chain suddenly closing down

One of the industries in which companies must fight hardest to establish themselves is the brick-and-mortar retail space. 

And it's even harder for them to maintain a foothold once they're in. 

Related: Massive sports retail chain suddenly closing 50 stores

That's because the brick-and-mortar (or in-person) shopping model isn't all that necessary anymore. 

To be sure, there are plenty of businesses that still need a traditional place of business. 

Your dentist, hair stylist, airline, and restaurant all pretty much require you to be in-person to give you the best service. 

But your favorite bookstore, office supplies store, and even clothing store just don't need as big of a conventional presence anymore. 

In fact, all that space is becoming more of a liability than an asset for many retailers.

Typically, retailers pay outsized rents for access to high-interest shopping areas. 

Location matters; if you're in a trendy spot downtown, a mall that sees thousands of new customers every month, or on the corner of a bustling main street, you'd get access to plenty of business. 

But lately, this is more a theory than practice. Sure, you might still get customers in any of these places. But the price of operation is far harder to justify, since you'd likely make a better profit by turning your attention to online customers.

Many brick-and-mortar retailers struggle

These days, it just doesn't cut it anymore to put your shop up in a populous area and let necessity take care of the rest. 

More closings:

• Iconic ice cream chain unexpectedly closing locations
• Struggling auto parts chain closing down all stores but one
• Another discount retailer closing over 1,000 stores
• Iconic retail chain closing nearly 500 stores

Customers are increasingly digitally native, and they know how to find exactly what they need — at a price they prefer (which is almost always the lowest price). 

This unfortunately means that for many legacy retailers that operate in the brick-and-mortar space, business just isn't what it used to be. 

That's what retailers like Joann, Party City, and plenty of mall stores are finding out the hard way. 

Large home store closing up

And now, home decor shop Home Store and More is falling victim to a similar trend. 

Based out of Ireland, Home Store and More sells things like bedding, outdoor furniture, kitchen accessories, lighting, and pet needs. 

Most of its inventory is sold at a deep discount, similar to how a HomeGoods or At Home might function in the states. 

Related: Another fashion retail chain suddenly closing stores, liquidating

Now, though, Home Store and More is anticipated to close down all of its U.K.-based stores by the end of May 2025. 

Those stores are in: 

• South Lanarkshire, Scotland
• Craigleith Retail Park, Edinburgh, Scotland

Those stores are now holding 33% or more clearance sales as they prepare to shutter for good.

Its U.K. website has already been taken down.

The store chain is, however, still expected to stay open in Ireland.