Popular furniture chain closing all stores, no bankruptcy

Quirky stores that sell more than one type of thing have largely gone away. Before the days of malls, shopping centers, and the Internet many towns had a retailer that just fit whatever needs the community had.

Many of these were hardware stores that carried a lot more than traditional hardware. Some of them were closer to what we think of as department stores these days.

It wasn’t all that long ago that you couldn’t get anything you needed in 24 hours using your phone. Even just a few years ago the idea of buying furniture or clothing online seemed ridiculous.

Who would buy a bed or a couch without first sitting on it? And, why would anyone buy clothes without the opportunity to try them on.

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Those are actually pretty good questions, but some business in both furniture and fashion has moved online. That means that purchases which once went to brick-and-mortar stores, have gone online.

Add in rising rents, higher labor costs, and the increasingprice of many goods, along with the uncertainty of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, and you can see why some retailers are pulling the plug.

Trees and Trends will sell off its remaining merchandise.

Image source: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Popular regional chain “winding down”

Another regional chain, Trees n Trends, which serves multiple states, has made the decision to close it doors.

“Trees n Trends – Home, Fashion & MORE! specializes in unique home decor and accessories, indoor furniture, outdoor furniture and accessories, floral designs, artificial trees and plants, seasonal and holiday decor, women's fashion, unique gifts and more,” the company shared on its website.,

It's a sort of hodgepodge of a mix of items that grew from what the chain's customers need since the original location was launched in 1992. It has a deep history in the communities it serves.

“We currently operate multiple retail store locations throughout six states in the southeast, as well as our online store. Our base of operations and flagship store is in Paducah, KY. Each store is about 30,000 square feet with the front third dedicated to one of its core categories, depending on the season,” it added.

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Now, the Wallace family, which owns the chain, used its Facebook page to share its surprise decision to close down.

“We, all of us, here at Trees n Trends love what we do. But the time has come for us to say goodbye. Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll wind down our operations and close all 6 of our locations,” it posted. “Updates regarding our closing sale will be available primarily here on our Facebook page, so we invite you to check back with us often.”

Tress and Trends customers are upset

The company's post got hundreds of responses from loyal customers. Many begged them to change their minds.

“Can’t you just sell your chain to someone, and they can continue your business? Don’t you have any grandkids that would love to do that?” asked Teresa Carter Campbell.

Another poster pointed out that the closing was likely not by choice or due to the lack of a successor.

“It's not closing because they don't want to do it anymore. Increasing costs have made it unsustainable,” Cortney Beth LaValle wrote.

Many were simply upset at the closing news.

“This is one of my very favorite stores! It always has such beautiful and unique items, so yes I’m very sad over this news,” wrote Heather Rae Parrish Morris.

Linda Jewell Spearman summed up how many of the posters felt.

“I have always loved this store. I hated to see the closing of the Franklin, TN store. I hope you know how many people loved Trees n Trends and over the years, came to depend on shopping there, and miss your stores presence. There is nothing here locally that compares. It’s a sad, sad day for your customers,” she posted.

The Wallace family has not shared specific closing dates or plans for going-out-of-business sales.