Wren Kitchens abruptly closes all showrooms in the US

NEW YORK — A British manufacturer and retailer of custom-fitted kitchens closed all their showrooms and studios in the United States on Friday, prompting sudden layoffs.

Wren US Holdings Inc. posted on its website saying, “We regret to inform you that our showrooms and studios are now closed.” 

The company had more than a dozen locations in the U.S., primarily across New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is unknown how many employees were affected by the sudden closure. It’s also unclear what will happen to customers whose orders were not yet complete before the closure.

Wren’s website leads to a form for anyone who needs assistance. The form requests a name, email address, message and allows the user to choose whether they’re a customer, supplier or employee. No other information is available on their website.

A letter addressed to “manufacturing managers” was sent to WNEP about the closure and layoffs. 

“We have seen great progress, and conversion rates are now similar to those being achieve by the UK company,” the note said. “However, we have been unable to find a way to build enough retail footprint to make the US business viable, and despite best efforts we no longer see that we will be able to do that in the foreseeable future. We have therefore taken the difficult decision to cease operations in the US, effective immediately.” 

The note went on to say they “were left with no other option” and said workers’ last day was April 24, but employees did not have to report to work because locations would be closed. 

Home Depot, who does business with Wren Kitchens and has showrooms in some stores, said they had “no previous notice” of the closure in a statement to WFSB.

“We’re actively evaluating how this has affected Wren customers to help those who may have questions or issues,” the statement continued.

Wren Kitchens opened their first U.S. location in at the end of 2020.