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Wren Kitchens, the U.K.-based home improvement retailer that expanded into the United States through a 2024 partnership with Home Depot, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation and abruptly closed all of its U.S. operations.

The company shuttered 15 brick-and-mortar showrooms—most located along the East Coast—bringing its American retail presence to a sudden and complete halt. The closures also include Wren-branded studio spaces inside select Home Depot locations.

On its U.S. website, the company posted a brief notice confirming the shutdown: “We regret to inform you that our showrooms and studios are now closed,” directing customers to an assistance link for further support.

Home Depot Says It Had No Warning of Shutdown

Home Depot, Wren’s retail partner in the U.S. expansion, said it was caught off guard by the decision and had no advance notice of the closure timeline.

In a statement to USA TODAY, the company said it is now reviewing the situation to determine how affected customers can be assisted.

“We had no previous notice of Wren’s intent to close, and we’re actively evaluating how this has affected Wren customers to help those who may have questions or issues,” Home Depot said. It added that Wren had informed them it was ceasing all U.S. operations, including in-store studio locations.

Sudden Shutdown Leaves Customers and Employees in Limbo

At the time of its collapse, Wren Kitchens operated 15 physical retail locations across the East Coast, alongside its in-store studio concept embedded within Home Depot stores.

The shutdown unfolded like a door slammed mid-conversation—no gradual wind-down, no public transition plan, just an abrupt exit from the U.S. market.

Customers and employees were left scrambling for answers after the sudden announcement, which reportedly came during an April 23 Zoom meeting informing staff that operations were ending immediately.

WARN Act Lawsuit Raises Legal Pressure

Court filings obtained by USA TODAY show that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Wren Kitchens’ U.S. subsidiary, alleging violations of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.

The law requires employers with more than 100 full-time workers to provide at least 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or closures.

Former employees claim no such warning was issued, according to local reports from WFSB, and that they were blindsided by the immediate shutdown announcement.

Rapid Expansion Followed by Sudden Exit

Wren Kitchens’ U.S. push, bolstered by its partnership with Home Depot, was seen as a major step in expanding its footprint beyond the United Kingdom.

But the swift collapse now leaves unanswered questions about the financial strain behind the expansion and the abrupt decision to unwind its American operations—turning what once looked like a growth strategy into a rapid retreat from the U.S. retail landscape.