If you are also asking: Is Plow and Hearth going out of business, then you are not alone. Many people in the U.S are also asking the same question.
Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, a shift in consumer shopping preferences has caused many U.S. retail chains to shutter their doors. A surge in online shopping, driven by concerns for safety and the appeal of convenience, has reshaped the fate of brick-and-mortar stores.
Among those feeling the impact is Plow and Hearth. This is a long-standing retailer celebrated for its home furnishings, garden essentials, and top-notch customer service. But recently, many Plow and Hearth stores have closed down because of one reason or the other.
Because of this, many of their customers have begun to ask: Is Plow and Hearth going out of business? In this post, we will be taking a closer look at the company and its recent operations to see if they are soon going into extinction or not. Just keep reading to discover the truth.
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Is Plow and Hearth Going Out of Business?
So, let’s address this concern straight out. Plow and Hearth has faced several obstacles in today’s evolving market. They’ve grappled with shifting customer preferences amongst many challenges. And this has been one of the reasons the company has shut down some of its brick-and-mortar stores.
But like many other stores that have gone out of business, many people have begun to wonder if Plow and Heart is also going to make the same decision soon. So, they are asking, ‘Is Plow and Hearth going out of business?’
However, the truth behind the rumor is that Plow and Hearth is not going out of business. They remain open and active in many places. While they have shut doors in some spots, they’re far from exiting the business.
Plus, there have been indications that the company might be transitioning gradually by empowering their online presence more. They recognize the growing preference for online shopping, and so they are putting resources into bolstering their online presence.
So, even if the Plow and Hearth stores in your area has closed down, you can still shop with the company in other locations or just get their products online.
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A Quick Overview of Plow and Hearth
Based in Madison, Virginia, Plow & Hearth has been a staple in the U.S. retail scene right from the time it was created in 1980. The company focuses on providing fireplace accessories, home furnishings, and garden essentials. And today, Plow and Hearth is one of the leading companies in the country.
The company was established by Peter and Peggy Rice, along with Michael Burns. Now, it proudly stands on a sprawling 38-acre site in Madison. With decades under its belt, this store has continually served its loyal customers, providing quality and value.
Yes, quality and affordable products is likely one of the reasons the company has become a household name among shoppers.
Why Are Plow and Hearth Stores Closing Down?
Now that the issue of whether the company is going out of business or not has been settled, let’s address some of the reasons some of their stores are closing their doors. Of course, if consumers haven’t seen or heard something, they wouldn’t be asking: Is Plow and Hearth going out of business.
Like we said earlier, the company has shut down some of its stores, and this has caused concerns among their customers. So, why are these stores closing down, let’s take a quick look at some reasons.
#1: Surge in online shopping
In recent times, more consumers are opting for the convenience of shopping from their homes. This shift towards e-commerce has put brick-and-mortar stores, like Plow and Hearth, in a tough spot, making it hard to sustain their usual sales figures.
And since this has been ongoing for a couple of years now – since the recent pandemic, the company has been forced to close down some of its physical stores.
#2: Soaring costs of rent
Maintaining physical stores doesn’t come cheap, especially with ever-climbing rent prices. In some regions, the exorbitant rents became too burdensome, leading Plow and Hearth to shut down those outlets. That was especially the case of certain stores like the Plow and Hearth store at Barracks Road Shopping Center.
This location has been a preferred spot for bird feeders and outdoor furniture shoppers for years. But the company had to end the 30-year-plus run at Barracks Road because of increased rent. The branch has been struggling to meet its financial goal, so increasing the rent left them with no other choice than to close down.
#3: Stiffening competition
Plow and Hearth isn’t alone in its offerings. Numerous retailers provide similar products, intensifying the market rivalry. Because of this standing out becomes an uphill battle in such a saturated environment.
But is Plow and Hearth going out of business because of this? Maybe not… but it is definitely one of the reasons the company is closing some of its stores.
#4: Evolving customer preferences
Tastes and demands evolve. To stay relevant, businesses must pivot to meet these changing needs. Plow and Hearth encountered hurdles in this area, possibly struggling with innovation. When they couldn’t align with the shifting tastes, customers naturally gravitated towards competitors who did.
Which Plow And Hearth Stores Have Closed Down?
In the last few years, specifically since the COVID 19 pandemic, Plow and Health has closed some of its stores. More than 7 of its stores have been closed already in different locations. Popular among them are the stores at:
- The Village at Leesburg
This location did not specify why they closed down but customers notice that before the final closure, the branch has been waning in its stock. And this did prepare the hearts of their customers before they eventually closed.
- Shoppes at Wyomissing
This store was sitting on 6,000 square-foot land before it decided to close down. The excuse they gave was that the performance of the store was not as expected, and so it is no longer profitable for them to keep running the store.
- Barracks Road Shopping Center
Like we said earlier, Plow and Hearth store at Barracks Shopping complex decided to shut their doors because of increment in rent. Since the store is not making enough profit, committing to another year or terms of lease is not reasonable. So they had to shut down the location.
Some other locations that have closed down include the:
- Store in Short Pump
- Center Valley
- Promenade shops at Saucon Valley
- Location near Harrisburg.
Is Plow and Hearth Going Out of Business – Final Note
Now you know what’s really happening with Plow and Hearth. If you have been asking: Is Plow and Hearth going out of business, the answer is no.
Why the company has closed down some of its physical locations recently, that isn’t an indication that they will be bowing out of business soon. The reason for closures is not one – each closed store has a unique reason Plow and Heath had to close it down.
If you are still not sure why some of these stores are closing down, just scroll up to catch the full gist.