You probably know the smell. That specific mix of vanilla, wood, and seasonal spice that hits you the second you walk into a Kirkland’s Home. For sixty years, it was the go-to spot for a sunburst mirror or a chunky farmhouse clock. But lately, things have been looking a bit different at the local strip mall. Seeing "Store Closing" signs on a retail icon is always a gut punch. Honestly, it feels like every time we turn around, another childhood staple is packing up the U-Hauls.
So, what is the deal with the retail chain kirkland's store closures? It isn’t just a simple story of a business going bust. It is actually a massive, high-stakes identity swap.
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The Big Beyond: Why the Name on the Door is Changing
Kirkland’s isn't disappearing into thin air, but it is undergoing a radical "operational reset." Basically, the company is merging with the ghost of a retail giant: Bed Bath & Beyond. After the original Bed Bath & Beyond went bankrupt and shuttered its physical stores in 2023, the brand name was bought by Beyond Inc. (formerly Overstock).
Now, here is where it gets interesting.
In a series of deals throughout 2024 and 2025, Beyond Inc. basically moved in with Kirkland’s. By late 2025, the two companies agreed to a full merger. This means Kirkland’s—now officially calling itself "The Brand House Collective"—is becoming the hands and feet for Bed Bath & Beyond's return to the physical world.
Which Stores Are Actually Closing?
The math is a bit of a moving target. In early 2025, CEO Amy Sullivan pointed out that about 6% of the fleet—roughly 19 to 25 stores—didn’t meet profitability standards. They were the "underperformers."
Then things accelerated.
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By September 2025, the plan shifted. The company announced it would close approximately 25 locations by January 2026. If you’ve been to the Kirkland's in Greensboro, North Carolina, or several spots in California like Gilroy, Fresno, and Palmdale, you’ve likely seen the liquidation sales firsthand.
It’s a strategic pruning.
They are cutting the dead weight to focus on a "Neighborhood" store model. Instead of massive 30,000-square-foot warehouses, they are pivoting to tighter, 15,000-square-foot spaces. It’s about efficiency. Marcus Lemonis, the Executive Chairman of Beyond Inc., has been vocal about this: smaller footprints mean lower fixed costs and better profit margins.
The Conversion Chaos
Not every "closing" store is actually going away forever. A huge chunk of the remaining Kirkland’s locations—initially projected at 250 to 275 stores—are slated to be rebranded as Bed Bath & Beyond Home.
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However, by January 2026, industry reports suggested they might be scaling back that ambitious goal. Some suppliers hinted that only stores larger than 10,000 square feet would get the full Bed Bath makeover, while others might stay as Kirkland’s or even become Overstock-branded outlets.
Why This Matters for Your Wallet (and Your Rewards)
If your local store is on the chopping block, you’ve probably got questions about your KClub points or that gift card sitting in your junk drawer. Here is the lowdown on the retail chain kirkland's store closures transition:
- Liquidations: If a store is closing for good (not just rebranding), the sales are usually final. No returns. No exchanges.
- Rewards: The good news? Your KClub rewards and Kirkland’s gift cards are being honored at the new Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations.
- Coupons: In a weirdly nostalgic twist, they are even starting to accept those iconic "Big Blue" Bed Bath & Beyond coupons at the converted stores.
It’s a bit of a mess, frankly. But it’s a calculated mess. The company is trying to survive in a world where everyone buys their throw pillows on Wayfair or Amazon. By teaming up, Kirkland’s gets the brand recognition of Bed Bath & Beyond, and Beyond Inc. gets an immediate physical footprint without having to sign hundreds of new leases from scratch.
What’s Next: The Future of the Brand
Kirkland’s isn’t just a store anymore; it’s becoming a brand that will live inside other stores. They are moving into the wholesale market. This means you might start seeing Kirkland’s-branded seasonal decor in independent gift shops or even other big-box retailers.
The company is betting everything on this "multi-brand" strategy. They want to be a "leaner, flatter" organization. Will it work? Only time will tell if shoppers want a "mini" Bed Bath & Beyond that feels like a Kirkland's, or if the brand confusion will just drive people back to Target.
Actionable Steps for Kirkland's Shoppers:
- Check the Map: Use the store locator on the Kirkland's website frequently. With the 2026 merger closing, store statuses are changing monthly.
- Use Your Gift Cards: While they are being honored for now, retail mergers are volatile. It is always safer to spend your balance sooner rather than later.
- Watch the Liquidation Cycles: If you see a store transition to "Bed Bath & Beyond Home," look for deep discounts on "Kirkland's Exclusive" inventory that might not fit the new brand's aesthetic.
- Download the New App: The digital experience is merging under the "Beyond" umbrella. Make sure your account info is updated to ensure you don't lose your purchase history or reward status.
The era of the standalone, 300-store Kirkland's empire is over. What's left is a scrappy, hybrid version of two retail legends trying to figure out how to stay relevant in 2026.
For many fans, the soul of the store—that "treasure hunt" feeling—is worth saving, even if the sign on the front looks a little different.