The Zombie Afterlife of Retailer Linens 'n Things

Linens 'n Things began as a New Jersey textile department in 1958 before evolving into a major North American retailer of home goods and accessories. At its height, the company operated hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores across the United States and Canada, competing directly with rivals like Bed Bath & Beyond. However, high levels of debt following a private equity acquisition led to a bankruptcy filing in 2008 and the subsequent liquidation of all physical locations. Since the closure of its storefronts, the brand has undergone multiple online revivals under different ownership groups. Currently, the business exists as an e-commerce entity owned by Retail Ecommerce Ventures, though it continues to face financial uncertainty. This history illustrates the brand's transition from a physical retail powerhouse to a digital-only marketplace.