The retail world is once again seeing big changes, and this time, Kirkland’s is at the center of attention. Known for affordable home décor and seasonal furnishings, the company has announced a wave of store shutdowns and conversions across the United States. The move has raised questions among shoppers, employees, and investors who want to know what’s really happening behind the scenes.
The retail chain Kirkland’s store closures are not random. They are part of a wider business transformation that reflects both financial pressure and a strategic shift toward new brands.
Why Kirkland’s Is Closing Stores
Kirkland’s, now operating under the name The Brand House Collective, has struggled with falling sales, weaker online performance, and higher operating costs. Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, the company has felt the impact of changing shopping habits, rising rents, and inflation.
In recent financial reports, the company confirmed that it closed 15 stores by the end of fiscal 2024 and followed that with additional closures in early 2025. More shutdowns are scheduled through early 2026 as the company trims underperforming locations.
Rather than only shutting stores, Kirkland’s is also converting many of its remaining outlets into new formats, most notably Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations. This decision comes after a partnership with Beyond Inc., the parent company behind the revived Bed Bath & Beyond brand.
The strategy is meant to give struggling stores a fresh identity, stronger branding, and potentially higher foot traffic.
How Many Stores Are Affected?
As of early 2025, Kirkland’s had about 314 stores nationwide. Over the next two years, the company plans to convert around 250 to 275 of these locations into Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores.
In addition to conversions, more than 40 stores are expected to close permanently by early 2026. These stores will not reopen under any brand.
Some specific closures have already been confirmed in states like Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, with more locations expected to follow as leases expire or performance reviews continue.
What This Means for Shoppers
For regular customers, these changes mean a mix of goodbyes and new beginnings.
Stores that are shutting down permanently often hold clearance and liquidation sales, which can be an opportunity for deep discounts. However, once a store closes, that community loses a nearby physical shopping option.
For locations being converted into Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores, shoppers can expect:
- Different product selections
- New pricing strategies
- Updated store layouts
- A broader focus on home essentials alongside décor
Long-time Kirkland’s customers may notice fewer seasonal decorations and more everyday household items at converted stores.
Impact on Employees and Local Communities
Store closures always bring uncertainty for retail workers. Employees at permanently closed locations may face layoffs unless they can transfer to nearby converted stores. While some staff members may be rehired under the new brand, this is not guaranteed for everyone.
Local shopping centers also feel the effects. Empty retail spaces can hurt foot traffic for nearby businesses, especially in smaller towns where Kirkland’s acted as an anchor store.
Financial Struggles Behind the Decision
Kirkland’s recent earnings reports show why these changes were necessary. The company posted losses, declining in-store sales, and a sharp drop in e-commerce revenue. Online shopping had once been seen as a growth path, but competition from major platforms has made it harder for mid-sized retailers to survive digitally.
By partnering with Beyond Inc., Kirkland’s hopes to reduce costs, improve inventory flow, and attract customers who recognize the Bed Bath & Beyond name.
This rebranding plan also allows the company to focus on wholesale and brand management instead of carrying the full burden of traditional retail operations.
Why Bed Bath & Beyond Is Part of the Plan
After Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in 2023, many believed the brand was finished. Instead, it was revived as an online-first business and later returned to physical stores through partnerships like this one.
For Kirkland’s, the Bed Bath & Beyond name brings:
- National brand recognition
- A wider product mix
- Stronger supplier relationships
- A chance to restart struggling locations with a clean slate
The first few converted stores have already opened, and early performance will heavily influence whether the full rollout continues as planned.
Industry-Wide Retail Challenges
The retail chain Kirkland’s store closures reflect a larger trend in the U.S. retail industry. Many home goods retailers are downsizing due to:
- Rising interest rates
- Lower consumer spending
- High shipping and storage costs
- Competition from online giants
- Changing lifestyle and décor trends
Shoppers today are more cautious with spending, focusing on essentials rather than seasonal or decorative items. This shift directly impacts companies that rely heavily on impulse home décor purchases.
What Happens Next?
Over the next 18 to 24 months, consumers will continue to see:
- Additional Kirkland’s store shutdowns
- New Bed Bath & Beyond Home store openings
- Ongoing real estate reshuffling in shopping centers
- More restructuring announcements from The Brand House Collective
While this transition brings uncertainty, it also shows how traditional retailers are trying to adapt in a fast-changing market. Whether this strategy succeeds will depend on how well the new stores connect with customers and control operating costs.
Final Thoughts
Kirkland’s is not disappearing overnight, but it is clearly leaving behind its old business model. The retail chain Kirkland’s store closures mark the end of an era for many communities, while also opening the door to a redesigned retail future under new branding.
For shoppers, the next year will be a time of change, with familiar stores fading away and new ones taking their place. For the retail industry as a whole, this transformation is another reminder that survival now depends on flexibility, brand strength, and the ability to evolve with customer demand.
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FAQs
Why is Kirkland’s closing stores across the U.S.?
Kirkland’s is shutting down underperforming stores due to falling sales, rising costs, and a shift toward new retail strategies.
How many Kirkland’s stores are expected to close?
More than 40 stores are expected to close permanently by early 2026, while many others will be converted into new brand formats.
Are all Kirkland’s locations shutting down?
No, most locations are being converted into Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores rather than closing completely.
What will replace Kirkland’s stores?
Many locations will reopen as Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores with a wider range of home essentials and décor items.
Will Kirkland’s online store remain active?
Yes, the online business is expected to continue, although it has faced recent sales challenges.
Are there liquidation sales at closing stores?
Yes, stores scheduled for permanent closure usually hold clearance and liquidation sales to sell remaining inventory.
What does this mean for Kirkland’s employees?
Some workers may transfer to converted stores, but others may face job loss if their location closes completely.
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