At Home Decor Store is one of the leading home decor retailers in the United States, offering a wide range of furniture, decor, and other home-related products. But who owns At Home Decor Store, and how did it become such a popular destination for homeowners and interior design enthusiasts? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the ownership structure of At Home Decor Store, its history, and its current standing in the industry.
1. Introduction
Home decor is a booming industry, with millions of homeowners spending money on furnishing and decorating their living spaces. At Home Decor Store has emerged as a major player in this market, offering a vast selection of affordable and stylish products. However, many people are unaware of the ownership structure behind this successful brand. In this article, we will explore who owns At Home Decor Store and how it has become a leading retailer in the home decor industry.
2. Overview of At Home Decor Store
At Home Decor Store is a retail chain that offers a wide variety of home decor products, including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, rugs, and more. The company was founded in 1979 under the name Garden Ridge Pottery, and it initially focused on selling pottery and garden supplies. However, over the years, it expanded its product offerings and rebranded as At Home Decor Store in 2015.
Today, At Home Decor Store has over 200 stores across the United States, with a presence in almost every state. It is known for its extensive selection of home decor products, competitive prices, and customer-centric approach.
3. History of At Home Decor Store
As mentioned earlier, At Home Decor Store was originally founded as Garden Ridge Pottery in 1979 by Eric White. The company started as a single store in Schertz, Texas, but it quickly expanded to other locations throughout the state.
In the 1990s, Garden Ridge Pottery started to shift its focus towards home decor and furniture, rather than garden supplies. The company began to open larger stores, with more space dedicated to furniture and decor.
In 2011, the company was acquired by a private equity firm called AEA Investors. Under AEA’s ownership, Garden Ridge Pottery continued to expand and eventually rebranded as At Home Decor Store in 2015.
4. Ownership Structure of At Home Decor Store
Parent Company
At Home Decor Store is owned by AEA Investors, a New York-based private equity firm. AEA acquired the company in 2011 and has been its majority owner ever since.
CEO and Board of Directors
The CEO of At Home Decor Store is Lee Bird, who has been with the company since 2012. He previously served as the CEO of another home decor retailer, Pier 1 Imports.
The board of directors of At Home Decor Store consists of Lee Bird, Jeffrey A. Kelter (Managing Partner of AEA Investors), and three independent directors.
Major Shareholders
As mentioned earlier, AEA Investors is the majority owner of At Home Decor Store. However, there are other shareholders as well, including mutual funds and institutional investors.
5. Financial Performance of At Home Decor Store
At Home Decor Store has seen significant growth in recent years, with its revenue increasing from $774 million in 2016 to $1.6 billion in 2020. The company’s net income has also grown, from $5 million in 2016 to $94 million in 2020.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, At Home Decor Store managed to maintain its financial performance in 2020, with its sales increasing by 24% compared to the previous year.
The company’s success can be attributed to its focus on providing customers with a broad range of affordable and stylish home decor products, as well as its effective marketing strategies and expansion into new markets.
6. At Home Decor Store’s Competition
At Home Decor Store faces stiff competition from other home decor retailers such as Wayfair, HomeGoods, and Bed Bath & Beyond. However, the company has managed to stand out in the market by offering a wider selection of products and lower prices than many of its competitors.
At Home Decor Store also differentiates itself by providing customers with an in-store experience that is both immersive and interactive. The company’s stores are designed to showcase its products in a way that inspires customers and makes it easy for them to visualize how they might look in their own homes.
7. Future Outlook for At Home Decor Store
At Home Decor Store is well-positioned for continued growth in the home decor market, as more and more consumers prioritize home improvement projects and home decor purchases. The company plans to expand its store footprint to 600 locations over the next several years, with a particular focus on expanding into new markets in the Northeast and West Coast regions of the United States.
At Home Decor Store is also investing in its e-commerce capabilities, recognizing the importance of offering customers a seamless online shopping experience. The company’s website features a wide range of products, as well as design inspiration and resources for customers looking to decorate their homes.
8. Conclusion
At Home Decor Store has established itself as a major player in the home decor industry, offering customers an extensive selection of affordable and stylish products. The company’s success can be attributed to its focus on providing customers with a differentiated in-store experience, as well as its effective marketing strategies and expansion into new markets. With a solid financial performance and plans for continued growth, At Home Decor Store is well-positioned for success in the years to come.
