Is Soft Surroundings going out of business? Without any doubt, the retail industry is a very dynamic one – even the most established brands can face uncertain times. Such is the case for Soft Surroundings, the renowned retailer specializing in home décor, fashion, and beauty products.
Recent closures of several of their outlets have sparked rumors about the company’s financial state, leaving customers to wonder: is Soft Surroundings going out of business?
If you have also ever felt concerned about this popular retail store and wish to know what’s really happening to them, then you should keep reading this post. It will show you some of the things Soft Surroundings is presently passing through and what the future likely holds for the brand.
A Little Background about Soft Surroundings
Since its inception in 1998, Soft Surroundings has been a U.S.-based lifestyle brand on a mission to provide customers with a serene and comfort-filled living experience. Starting as a catalog-based business, it has flourished into a prominent player in the retail world, boasting a strong presence in the space.
Soft Surroundings offers a diverse range of products, catering to women’s apparel, beauty, skincare, bedding, home décor, and accessories. What sets the brand apart is its focus on promoting relaxation and well-being, especially for women aged 35 and above. And that was a smart move for the company as it was able to carve out a unique niche in the market for itself.
Over the years, Soft Surroundings has achieved several remarkable milestones, including being recognized as one of the ‘Top 1000 e-retailers’ in the United States in 2019. The brand has also been able to stretch its tentacles across the nation with over 75 retail stores as of 2021.
But right now, Soft Surroundings seems to be closing down some of its stores which makes people wonder and ask, Is Soft Surroundings going out of business? Just keep reading; we will get to that soon.
How Many Locations Does Soft Surroundings Have?
Before we proceed to answer the question, ‘Is Soft Surrounding going out of business?’ let’s first settle this question. So, how many locations does Soft Surroundings have?
Well, according to their website, the retail company has about 75 retail locations distributed in different states of the country. These stores are widely distributed across the U.S, with some states like Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, etc, having multiple store locations to cater for their customers.
Are these stores standalone stores? No, not all of them are standalone brick-and-mortar stores. There are some of them that are located inside various shopping centers. This allows their target customers to easily access their luxurious, unique, and comforting product lines. If you are looking for the nearest Soft Surroundings locations near you, here is a full list of their locations across the United States.
Is Soft Surroundings Going Out of Business – Many Stores Are Being Closed
While rumors may suggest otherwise, Soft Surroundings is not going out of business. Despite facing certain challenges, the brand remains resilient and committed to serving its customers. Recently, the company encountered financial difficulties, prompting the need to make some tough decisions, including the closure of certain store locations.
These closures were driven by various reasons, and while it may be disheartening to see some stores shuttered, this strategic move aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Soft Surroundings. So, if you are asking ‘Is Soft Surroundings going out of business?’ then the answer is no!
Now, let’s look at some of their stores that recently short their gates and stop operations.
Soft Surrounding Stores Being Closed
Over the past seven months, several Soft Surroundings stores have unfortunately closed their doors. Although we may not remember all of them, some notable closures have left an impact on customers. If you reside near these areas and once frequented these stores, you’ll now need to seek alternatives or visit other Soft Surroundings locations instead.
- Soft Surroundings store in Orland Park
The Soft Surroundings store there bid farewell last December, leaving its customers saddened by the departure. This strategic location in the city had been a beloved shopping haven for the brand’s enthusiasts, and the absence of another Soft Surroundings store in the vicinity has left a void in the hearts of those in Orland Crossing.
- Soft Surroundings store in St. Johns Town Center
Another store that recently closed its doors is the Soft Surroundings outlet in St. Johns Town Center. Initially launched around 2018, the store held a clearance sale before announcing its permanent closure. Located near Swarovski in the St. Johns Town Center, this store was a go-to destination for stylish finds. While it still appears in the mall’s directory, Soft Surroundings no longer lists it on their site, signaling its closure.
- Eastview Mall store
Soft Surroundings also recently closed its store located in the Eastview Mall after 15 years in business. This decision was driven by various factors, including declining foot traffic and an increasing number of vacant stores within the mall. As one of the last remaining stores in the mall’s north wing, which was heavily impacted by closures, Soft Surroundings’ departure dealt a blow to the struggling Eastview Mall.
Is Soft Surroundings Having Financial Trouble?
Over the past five years, Soft Surroundings has faced a steady decline in income, as revealed by an analysis of its financial reports. This drop in revenue is attributed to the growing trend of online shopping, which has led to a shift in consumer behavior towards internet purchases. Consequently, the company has been paying out more cash than it generates, resulting in lower profits.
To address these challenges and remain competitive, other retailers, like Walmart, have implemented cost-cutting measures, such as reducing their workforce and streamlining product offerings. They have also expanded their focus on internet sales and delivery services.
Unfortunately, Soft Surroundings has not been immune to these financial difficulties. The declining profits led to the closure of several stores, resulting in job losses for many employees. Those who remained employed faced an increased workload, leading to heightened stress and dissatisfaction.
Who Is Soft Surroundings Target Audience
The target audience of Soft Surroundings consists of women of various age groups. These are mainly women between the age of 30 and 60 who are looking for clothing that provides classic elegance without sacrificing comfort.
This demographic includes retirees, working professionals, and women looking for versatile wardrobe options. Apart from clothing, remember that Soft Surroundings also offers a variety of home décor and beauty products.
That makes it easier for them to serve even a larger group of customers. That includes women who are passionate about having a serene and welcoming environment in their homes.
Who Owns Soft Surroundings Stores?
The story of Soft Surroundings’ ownership began with Robin Sheldon, the visionary behind the brand’s inception as a clothing catalog in 1999. However, a pivotal moment arose in 2012 when Soft Surroundings strategically joined forces with Brentwood Associates, a renowned consumer-focused private equity firm.
This partnership marked a significant shift in ownership, as Brentwood Associates acquired a majority interest in the company. As a result of this alliance, the ownership structure of Soft Surroundings is now predominantly held by Brentwood Associates.
Is Soft Surroundings Going Out of Business – Final Note
Although there have been rumors flying around about Soft Surroundings going out of business, it seems these are just mere rumors.
The company is presently facing some financial challenges, which have led to the closure of some of its stores. However, there has not been any statement on the official website of Soft Surroundings to confirm that the company is going out of business.
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