Linens 'n Things was a major U.S. home goods retailer known for bedding, bath, and kitchen items, but its physical stores closed in 2008 after bankruptcy due to debt, the housing slump, and competition, though the brand was later relaunched online, shutting down again before being reacquired by Retail Ecommerce Ventures in 2020 for another attempt at e-commerce.

History & Business Model

Big-Box Era: Founded in 1975, Linens 'n Things thrived as a big-box retailer, offering a vast selection of branded home goods, decor, and kitchenware in large stores, often using coupons and aggressive expansion.

Peak & Decline: At its height, it had hundreds of stores, competing with Bed Bath & Beyond, but faced financial struggles, leading to bankruptcy in 2008.

Liquidation & Online Attempts

2008 Collapse: The company filed for bankruptcy and liquidated all stores by late 2008 due to the credit crunch and weak consumer spending.

Online Relaunch (2009): Liquidation firms acquired the brand and launched an online-only store, LNT.com, which operated until around 2018.

Acquisition (2020): Retail Ecommerce Ventures (REV), the same company that bought Pier 1 and Dress Barn, acquired the brand again to relaunch it online, marking its second comeback attempt.