Wilmington, Delaware, April 27, 2026, 13:02 EDT
Wren Kitchens’ U.S. parent has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in Delaware, following the rapid closure of its American showrooms and in-store studios—a move that pushes the retailer into a formal court-led wind-down. Under Chapter 7, a debtor’s nonexempt assets are sold off, and the money is handed out to creditors.
This case is getting attention because as of Monday, Wren US Holdings Inc. remained active on the docket following its voluntary petition on April 24. According to Bankruptcy Observer, citing PACER records, the company reported both assets and liabilities somewhere between $100 million and $500 million.
The stakes are high for customers who claim they’ve shelled out thousands for kitchens that now might never show up. Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection confirmed to NBC Connecticut it’s looking into the matter. The agency recommended people send certified refund requests directly to the store where they bought their kitchen.
Wren is pulling out of the U.S., telling KBBFocus it wants to “focus investment on accelerating our core UK business.” The group noted its U.S. arm is a separate legal entity and makes up “around 4%” of turnover. Operations in the U.K. remain untouched, the company said. KBBFocus
Wren’s sudden shutdown caught Home Depot in the crossfire—the company ran design studios right inside its locations. Home Depot told WFSB it had “no previous notice” about Wren’s immediate closure and said Wren had ended all U.S. operations, including the showrooms within its stores. https://www.wfsb.com
Wren operated 15 showrooms in four states and ran Home Depot design studios, following its 2020 Connecticut debut and the launch of a 252,000-square-foot Pennsylvania manufacturing site.
Customers spoke of half-done renovations, worried their money might be gone. Melissa Dethlefsen told NBC Connecticut Wren was holding “over $23,000 from us.” Gloria Dorau, out more than $20,000 by her account, put it plainly: “My head is just spinning.” NBC Connecticut
Employees described almost no advance notice. According to former staff speaking with WFSB, news of the immediate shutdown of U.S. stores and showrooms came abruptly during a Zoom call at about 3 p.m. Thursday. Anes Hodzic, who managed the Newington showroom, put it bluntly: “No one got any pink slips.” https://www.wfsb.com
A class-action complaint landed in bankruptcy court, taking aim at Wren US Holdings and associated Wren entities for alleged breaches of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, or WARN Act. According to the U.S. Labor Department, the WARN Act typically obliges employers with at least 100 workers to give 60 days’ notice ahead of plant shutdowns or large-scale layoffs.
The collapse arrives while demand for high-end home projects stays patchy. Home Depot—Wren’s in-store partner and the top U.S. home-improvement name—posted a 3.8% drop in fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 sales. Full-year numbers, though, were up 3.2%. CEO Ted Decker pointed to “ongoing consumer uncertainty and pressure in housing.” Home Depot Investor Relations
Still, how — or even if — customers will get their money back remains uncertain. Under Chapter 7, a trustee oversees selling assets and distributing funds to creditors, a process that’s nothing like a typical store refund. According to WFSB, at least one customer who used a debit card and a check is now depending on her bank to look into her claim.
The Delaware bankruptcy docket lists May 20 for the first creditors meeting, with David W. Carickhoff stepping in as interim trustee. The hearing is expected to shed light for customers, suppliers, and former staff on the available assets and the process for claims.
