UK-based Ren Kitchen, which launched a strategic partnership with Home Depot in 2024, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation and closed all 15 of its retail stores, primarily located on the East Coast.
The closure was announced on Wren Kitchens’ US website with a simple message: “We regret to inform you that our showrooms and studios are now closed,” along with a link to customers seeking assistance.
In an email statement to USA TODAY, Home Depot said it had no prior notice of the closure.
Home Depot said, “We had no prior notice of Wren’s intent to shut down, and we are actively evaluating how this has impacted Wren customers who may have questions or issues.” “Rain Kitchen has alerted us that they have ceased operations in the United States, including closing their showrooms in our stores.”
At the time of closing, Wren Kitchens operated 15 brick-and-mortar retail stores on the East Coast, as well as Wren Kitchen Studios inside Home Depot locations.
The company faces further legal problems
According to court records obtained by USA TODAY, a class action lawsuit was filed against a Wren Kitchens US subsidiary alleging that the company violated the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.
The WARN Act requires employers with more than 100 full-time employees to file a 60-day notice to notify employees and government officials of upcoming layoffs.
According to local news station WFSB, former employees allege no such warning was given. During a Zoom call on April 23, workers were informed that showrooms and stores would close immediately.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY.