HomeGoods, a Framingham-based retailer, announced on October 21st its plan to discontinue online shopping after two years of operation. The focus now shifts back to their 900+ physical stores across the US. Nevertheless, HomeGoods.com will maintain its presence as an information source for customers in need of home décor inspiration and trends.
Andrew Mastrangelo, a spokesperson for TJX Companies, assured that their other digital businesses such as TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Sierra will continue to operate normally. The decision to cease online shopping is a surprise, given the uncertainty and shortage of closeout merchandise often makes off-price brands late adopters of e-commerce. Case in point is competing brand Burlington, which primarily uses its website for advertising discounts rather than generating online sales, according to the Dallas News.
The pandemic led to the initial launch of HomeGoods' online platform in 2021. TJMaxx, another member of their brand family, transitioned to e-commerce earlier in 2013. To recreate the "treasure hunt" experience provided in their brick-and-mortar stores, HomeGoods customers are now being directed to shop physically or use the company's other online outlets, as the Boston Herald emphasizes.
Despite the phase-out of online shopping, the expansion plans of HomeGoods continue uninterrupted. Recent additions include local stores in the Gates of Prosper and Plano’s Preston Park Village. Job security shouldn't be an issue for affected online platform employees as they'll be offered alternative positions within the company, Mastrangelo confirms.
