Home Goods Retailer Set to Close Over a hundred Stores, Florida Takes the Hardest Hit

Photo byCanva

A major player in the home goods scene, Conn's, is now facing a troubling turn of events. Not only is the retailer grappling with bankruptcy speculation, but it’s also closing a significant number of its stores—with Florida bearing the brunt of the closures.

Conn’s, known for its range of home goods, appliances, and electronics, employs over 4,000 people across its 170 locations. In Florida alone, the company operates 21 stores. However, customer feedback has been a mixed bag. Take, for example, the Lakeland store, which has received a tepid 1.8 out of 5 stars on Yelp.

The trouble for Conn’s became evident in mid-July 2024 when the retailer was not only closing stores but also considering filing for bankruptcy. The company is shuttering 106 stores under the Conn’s and Babcock names.

Unfortunately for Floridians, the state is hit the hardest with 18 Conn’s locations set to close. Affected cities include Tampa, Port Richey, Pinellas Park, Bradenton, Ocala, Orlando (with three stores), Altamonte Springs, Orange City, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, and Jacksonville.

The wave of closures means that many Floridians will soon need to find new places to shop for their home goods. While the closures may free up some retail space, they also signal a significant shift in the market. For those loyal to Conn’s, the loss of local stores could mean longer drives or online shopping for their favorite home essentials.

As Conn’s navigates these turbulent waters, Florida shoppers are left to ponder their next moves. Stay tuned for updates on how the company handles its financial woes and how the retail landscape evolves in the Sunshine State.