As I sit here twiddling my thumbs, waiting for wedding shower photos to roll in (*ahem*), I have some related news to share. A few of our beloved guests mentioned rumours that they overheard while shopping at Linens n Things for our shower. One said she overheard a discussion by employees whether they are still doing sign ups for their registry since the U.S. stores are going under! Another said that she was told that they wouldn’t be getting anymore merchandise in stock. Gasp! I searched Google News for info and, lo and behold, Linens n Things is beginning to liquidate its stores. Eek!
Empty shelves, but not at LNT (image source)
Once wedding shower planning began stateside, we decided that we should register on the U.S. side so that our guests would have an easy registry to access. As you may recall from my previous grumblings, most stores that have both U.S. and Canadian counterparts do not have their registries set up so that you can shop at both. In the case of Linens n Things, you can only shop online at the Canadian store* if you have a Canadian billing address, which is why we registered on the U.S. side. Even the gift cards only work in the country of purchase. Fortunately for us, we are close enough to the border to drive across to shop.
Now that we are aware that the Linens n Things liquidation is underway, we’ve kept all the tags on our yet to be completed towel and sheet sets just in case we won’t be able to complete the sets. I guess we’ll be heading back into the U.S. next weekend to try complete our sets before they are out of stock.
Are any of you registered at Linens n Things? Does this turn of events impact you?
* Seems that the Canadian LNT stores are not impacted.
agggg… at least some good sales might come out of this!
eeps! sending photos now…. :hangs head in shame:
yep yep! i went to an lnt store this weekend, and everything was on sale. they are not even accepting those coupons. bummer!
My MOH is a manager for LNT. This only affects about 20% of their stores so it’s not all locations.
@Kristin: Thanks for the info! I hope for the sake of your MOH and other LNT employees that the 20% cut is the end of it.
is there any way to find out which stores are affected without having to drive around? i wish they’d make that info available.
I’m surprised that you have a registry and didn’t get this, it was emailed to me last month:
Today, May 2nd 2008, Linens ’n Things announced that the Company was voluntarily filing for Chapter 11. In light of this announcement and the media coverage that may surround it, we at LNT, wanted to take a moment to address any concerns that you may have relating to your registry. In this exciting time in your life we understand that your registry and future wedding are very important to you, and we wish to reassure you that your registry remains active and well placed with LNT.
We are utilizing the time and the tools provided by a Chapter 11 filing to financially restructure the Company. Linens ’n Things is not closing and for our wedding registry business it will be business as usual. Our focus is on strengthening our financial foundation and positioning LNT for the future. This filing only pertains to the US operations. The filing does not affect operations of the Company’s Canadian stores and there are no plans for a similar filing in Canada.
Our stores are fully operational and we are ready to serve our guests with the quality merchandise, extensive assortment and superior shopping experience they expect from LNT. Our stores are well stocked and they will continue to operate as usual. A number of stores have been affected by the restructuring and will be closing over the next several months. If a store in your area has been affected by the restructuring, the store manager can help direct you to the closest LNT location. LNT.com is available to meet your needs 24/7.
The Bridal and Gift Registry program remains an important part of the Linens ’n Things business. Your guests will be able to shop for your gifts both on line and in store . Programs that are in effect for Bridal will remain active, making our registry one of the best around. With over 450 stores around the country and a great web site we will be here to meet your registry needs.
Kathleen Kimple
Divisional Vice President E-Commerce and Gift Registry Services
Linens ’n Things
Alas, it is true. It’s been going around for awhile now and was confirmed.
Interesting post. I work for a company that manages and tracks gift cards, and I’ve been following the LNT BK on savvywallet.com. One thing to consider is to spend their gift cards. Even though they are still accepting them ( the best of my knowledge), it may be wise to spend them before they go out of business in your area, and then you’re stuck holding the cards, with nowhere to spend it. Although you could still spend it online. It’s just not the same. LNT technically can void the GC, leaving you stranded with no-”thing”
Actually, we did register at Linens and Things. There was a specific reason why though: The shower is being held in my hometown (also where we’ll be married) and in that area, there is no Bed, Bath and Beyond. (interesting, huh?). Their L&T is apparently one of the top selling stores/locations. Therefore my mom suggested we still register there, since it would be most convenient “household” store to register at for the many local guests coming to the shower and to the wedding. It doesn’t really bother me that L&T is closing a bunch of their stores. Bottom line is, the company itself is still okay, and you can still buy things off of their website. Besides, if people don’t buy us stuff from L&T and choose to give us any other type of gift, that is fine. Although I am excited about getting some gifts, I’m more excited about seeing people I haven’t seen in a LONG time at the shower and wedding.
Mrs. Gingerbread, Vancouver
Age and Occupation: 32, Psychologist
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Software Engineer
Engagement Date: Sometime in the fall of 2004
Wedding Date: July, 2008
Blogging Since: March 24, 2008
Venue: Rainforest wedding, beachfront restaurant reception
About Me: I recently moved to Canada from Southern California. Trying to plan a wedding in a new city, not to mention a new country, is tough, but the fact that we can get legally married here more than makes up for it! The wedding will be an opportunity for most of our family and friends to see our new city for the first time so it will be both a wedding and a reunion. Besides my future wife, I am also madly in love with a good bargain, Swedish pastries, Tivo, and my two dogs and calico cat (in no particular order).
What a bummer!
I’ve always really liked LNT actually, but it seems Bed, Bath and Beyond always had them licked…