Accounts and Finance
Home Depot Rival Bankruptcy Shock 5 Key Facts Revealed
Key Takeaways
- A bunch of Home Depot competitors, from At Home to True Value, have filed for Chapter 11 in the last couple of years, mostly due to tough economic times.
- Things like high debt, tariffs on imports, and folks spending less on home projects are the main reasons behind these filings.
- Shoppers are facing fewer stores and higher prices in some spots, but it also opens doors for bargain hunts during sales.
- Big players like Home Depot and Lowe’s are holding strong by mixing things up, like boosting online sales.
- You can dodge the hassle by checking out other options, like online shops or local spots, to keep your projects on track.
Recent Filings Overview
Let’s start with the basics—who’s involved and when it all went down. Over the past year or so, several companies that go head-to-head with Home Depot have thrown in the towel and filed for Chapter 11 protection. Take At Home, for example—they filed in June 2025, saddled with a whopping $2 billion in debt. They’re planning to close 26 stores by the end of September 2025, which hits hard if you’re in one of those areas.
Then there’s LL Flooring, once known as Lumber Liquidators. They filed back in August 2024 and ended up closing about 94 stores—that’s over 20% of their spots. The good news? Their founder scooped up the remains for around $40 million through F9 Investments, and that deal got the green light in September 2024. True Value, a hardware staple for 75 years, filed in October 2024 and got sold off to a competitor called Do It Best. Add in Gardener’s Supply filing in June 2025 and McCammons Irish Market in July 2025, and you see a pattern. Home sales dipped 0.7% in 2024 to the lowest since 1995, which didn’t help anyone in this space.
These aren’t isolated blips. The home improvement market shrank in 2024 for the first time since 2010, and that’s rippled out to these smaller players. If you’re like me, you might remember stocking up during the pandemic boom—now, it’s a different story.
Causes Behind Bankruptcies
So, why are these Home Depot rivals filing for bankruptcy? It boils down to a mix of money troubles and bigger economic headaches. First off, debt is a killer. At Home was drowning in $2 billion of it, and LL Flooring had similar issues from expanding too fast. When sales slow, that debt becomes a heavy load.
Add in tariffs—those extra costs on imported goods. At Home pointed fingers at things like Trump-era tariffs, which jacked up prices on decor and furniture from overseas. Imagine running a store where your costs suddenly spike 10-20%—it’s tough to pass that on without losing customers. Then there’s the spending slowdown. Folks aren’t remodeling as much because interest rates are stuck around 6-7%, making big loans pricey. Spending on home projects dropped 6.4% year-over-year in early 2024, and the median remodel cost hit $24,000 in 2023 but is expected to fall 37.5% this year.
Inflation hasn’t helped either. Material prices shot up 81% from 2014 to 2023, squeezing margins for these companies. It’s like trying to bake a cake when flour costs double—something’s got to give. Overall bankruptcies jumped 13.1% from March 2024 to 2025, with nearly 468,000 cases filed. These rivals just couldn’t keep up with giants who have deeper pockets.
Consumer Impacts Explored
Now, let’s talk about how this affects you and me—the everyday shopper. When a Home Depot rival files for bankruptcy, it often means store closures, which can leave gaps in your local options. Take At Home’s 26 closures—they’re spread across states, and if you’re in a rural spot, that drive to the next decor place just got longer. Folks on social media are venting about it, saying things like, “Great, now I have to pay more at Home Depot.”
Jobs take a hit too. True Value’s filing led to about 82 layoffs, and that’s just one case. Prices might creep up at surviving stores because there’s less competition. But it’s not all bad—liquidation sales are a silver lining. During LL Flooring’s wind-down, shoppers snagged deals on hardwood and vinyl. Picture walking into a store with 50% off signs everywhere—it’s a chance to stock up if you’re quick.
Access is another pain point. In areas without big chains, these closures mean hunting harder for affordable garden supplies or hardware. One Reddit user shared how their local True Value was the only spot for quick fixes—now they’re stuck ordering online and waiting days. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a project.
Comparisons with Alternatives
How do these struggling companies stack up against the big dogs? Home Depot and Lowe’s are like the sturdy oaks in a storm—they’ve got massive scale, which helps them weather debt and tariffs better. Home Depot, for instance, diversified into pro services and online sales, keeping revenue steady while rivals like At Home focused heavily on imports and got burned by cost hikes.
Lowe’s is similar, with strong supply chains that let them negotiate better deals. Compare that to LL Flooring, which specialized in flooring but couldn’t pivot fast enough when demand dropped. For shoppers, this means sticking with Home Depot might cost a bit more upfront, but you get reliability—like same-day pickup or tool rentals.
Don’t overlook alternatives beyond the giants. Online spots like Wayfair offer home decor without the drive, often with free shipping on big orders. Local independents or garden centers can fill gaps for things like plants from Gardener’s Supply. If you’re budget-focused, check out discount chains or even Amazon for basics. The key? Weigh convenience against price—Home Depot wins on speed, but online might save you cash in the long run.
Industry Future Outlook
Looking ahead, what’s next for home improvement after these Home Depot rival bankruptcy filings? Experts see a slow bounce back, with disposable income possibly growing 1.6% in 2025. That could spark more projects, but tariffs and high rates might drag things out. Retail folks say companies need to go green—think sustainable materials—to attract eco-conscious buyers.
Adaptation is key. Survivors are pushing e-commerce hard, like Home Depot’s app for virtual project planning. If policies shift, say with new trade deals, importers like At Home’s successors could recover. But ongoing economic jitters mean more filings aren’t out of the question. One analyst noted, “The market’s frozen right now, but warmer times could come by late 2025.” For us, it means keeping an eye on trends to spot deals early.
Case Studies of Filings
To make this real, let’s look at a few stories. Start with At Home: They filed in June 2025 amid that $2 billion debt pile. Tariffs hit their imported decor hard, and with folks cutting back on spending, sales tanked. They’re restructuring to slash $600 million in debt, but 26 stores are gone. It’s a classic tale of over-reliance on cheap imports in shaky times.
LL Flooring’s case is a bit brighter. Filing in August 2024 led to 94 closures, but the founder’s $40 million buyout via F9 Investments saved the core business. They blamed the remodel slowdown, but the quick sale shows how Chapter 11 can lead to rebirth. Shoppers in states like Texas saw deep discounts during the liquidation.
True Value’s story? Filed in October 2024, then sold to Do It Best. As a wholesaler to independents, their debt from expansion caught up when hardware demand dipped. It’s a reminder that even old-timers need to adapt. These cases show bankruptcy isn’t always the end—sometimes it’s a reset button.
Practical Tips for Shoppers
Facing these changes? Here are some easy ways to handle it:
- Hunt for liquidation sales: Keep tabs on At Home or LL Flooring sites for 30-50% off on decor and flooring before they close.
- Compare prices online: Use apps like Google Shopping to check Home Depot against Wayfair—often saves 10-20% on similar items.
- Go local for access: If a store shuts, try independent garden centers for supplies; they might match prices and offer advice.
- Budget smart amid rises: With materials up 81%, plan small projects first—start with paint instead of full remodels to test costs.
- Sign up for alerts: Join email lists from Lowe’s or Home Depot for deals, especially if tariffs push prices higher.
Imagine you’re fixing up your kitchen and hear about a closure—grab those sales quick, or pivot to online for delivery. These steps keep things affordable and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Home Depot rival filed for bankruptcy recently?
- At Home filed Chapter 11 in June 2025, joining LL Flooring (2024) and True Value (2024) in sector distress.
- Why did At Home file for bankruptcy?
- High debt ($2B), tariff increases on imports, and slowed consumer spending led to restructuring and 26 store closures.
- What caused LL Flooring’s bankruptcy?
- Financial distress from reduced remodel demand and supply issues prompted Chapter 11 filing and asset sale in August 2024.
- Is True Value going out of business?
- True Value filed bankruptcy in October 2024 but sold operations to rival Do It Best, preserving some brand elements.
- How do bankruptcies affect home improvement shoppers?
- Closures limit access, but liquidation sales offer bargains; shift to giants like Home Depot for alternatives.
- What role do tariffs play in these filings?
- Import tariffs raised costs for retailers like At Home, exacerbating debt amid economic slowdowns.
If you’re wondering how the market’s mood is shaping up right now, you’re not alone. Every day, millions of investors, traders, and curious onlookers ask the same question: “What’s happening with the Dow Jones today?” The answer isn’t just about numbers—it’s about stories, trends, and the forces that move the market.
Main Features
- Live status at a glance: The Dow Jones Industrial Average is showing steady gains today, helped by rate-cut optimism and strong performances from select blue-chip stocks.
- Point movers matter: Nike and UnitedHealth are leading today’s positive swing, but the Dow’s price-weighted nature means one stock can outweigh another.
- Macro drivers in play: Softer inflation numbers have boosted expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next month.
- Why you need context: A 300-point jump can sound huge—but without knowing the percentage move or drivers, it’s just noise.
- Smarter tracking: Using timestamped data and checking multiple sources can help avoid confusion from delayed or inconsistent updates.
Live Dow Jones Level and Today’s Change
Right now, the Dow Jones today is up roughly 0.6%. In points, that’s about a 270–300 gain, putting the index in the upper end of its daily range. The day’s range so far has been around 44,570 to 44,888, and we’re close to challenging a 52-week high of just over 45,000.
For readers outside the US—especially in Pakistan—market hours differ:
- Opening bell: 6:30 PM PKT
- Closing bell: 1:00 AM PKT
Always check if US markets are open on a particular day, as US holidays can pause trading.
Why the Dow is Moving Today
When you check the Dow Jones today, you’re not just seeing numbers—you’re seeing the net result of hundreds of little battles between buyers and sellers, optimism and caution.
Key Economic Drivers
The biggest macro story right now is inflation. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report came in slightly below expectations. That’s like music to Wall Street’s ears because it strengthens the case for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. Lower rates make borrowing cheaper, which tends to boost stock prices.
Corporate Earnings Impact
Blue-chip earnings can swing the Dow more than people expect. Today, Nike posted a better-than-expected quarterly sales rebound, sending its stock higher. UnitedHealth, another heavyweight, is also seeing gains after announcing new strategic partnerships in healthcare technology.
Sector Trends
Industrials and healthcare are leading gains, while energy stocks are lagging slightly as oil prices pull back. Tech, which doesn’t dominate the Dow like it does the Nasdaq, is contributing modestly to today’s move.
Global Market Influence
Overnight gains in Asian and European markets have added tailwinds. A rally in Japan’s Nikkei and solid performance in Germany’s DAX boosted sentiment before the US open.
Top Dow Movers and Point Contributors
When we say “Nike is leading the Dow higher,” it’s not just because of percentage gains—it’s because of how the Dow is calculated.
Biggest Positive Point Contributors
- Nike (NKE): +$7 move → ~+47 Dow points
- UnitedHealth (UNH): +$6 move → ~+40 Dow points
- Home Depot (HD): +$5 move → ~+35 Dow points
Biggest Negative Point Contributors
- Chevron (CVX): -$3 move → ~-21 Dow points
- 3M (MMM): -$2 move → ~-14 Dow points
Why Points Can Mislead
The Dow is price-weighted, meaning a $1 move in a $400 stock impacts the index more than a $1 move in a $50 stock—even if the percentage change is smaller. That’s why price swings in high-priced names like UnitedHealth can outweigh big percentage moves in lower-priced stocks.
Understanding the Dow Jones Industrial Average
What the DJIA Represents
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is one of the oldest and most-watched stock indexes in the world, tracking 30 large US companies across sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
How It’s Calculated
It’s price-weighted, not market-cap weighted like the S&P 500. Each stock’s price directly affects its influence on the index. A secret-sauce divisor adjusts for stock splits and other events to keep the index consistent.
Futures vs Cash Index
The cash index is the one you see quoted during regular trading hours. Dow futures trade almost 24 hours and can give clues about where the index might head when the market opens.
Dow vs Dow Total Return (DJITR)
Most headlines talk about the price index, but the total return version includes dividends, giving a fuller picture of long-term performance.
Dow Jones vs Other Major Indexes
Dow vs S&P 500
The S&P is broader, with 500 companies and market-cap weighting. It’s often a better snapshot of the entire market, while the Dow gives a quicker “big-company” snapshot.
Dow vs Nasdaq
The Nasdaq leans heavily on tech stocks, making it more volatile. The Dow is more balanced sector-wise, which sometimes makes it move in the opposite direction.
When the Dow Outperforms
In defensive markets—when investors want stability—the Dow often beats the others because of its concentration in established, dividend-paying companies.
Market Calendar – What’s Ahead This Week
Economic Data Releases
- Producer Price Index (PPI) report
- Weekly jobless claims
- Consumer sentiment survey
Federal Reserve Events
- Several Fed governors speaking at economic forums
- Policy meeting minutes release
Dow Component Earnings
- Home Depot – Quarterly results expected tomorrow
- Cisco – Earnings later this week
These events could shift the tone of the Dow Jones today and for the rest of the week.
How to Track and Trade the Dow
Tracking Tools
- Yahoo Finance: Free live charts and news
- MarketWatch: Good for real-time movers and news context
- Bloomberg: Professional data and analytics
ETFs and Funds
For those not buying individual Dow stocks, the DIA ETF mirrors the index. There are also leveraged and inverse ETFs for advanced traders.
Dow Futures Contracts
The E-mini Dow futures are popular for overnight trading and hedging. They require understanding of margin and leverage.
Common Mistakes When Reading the Dow
Focusing Only on Points: A 200-point move sounds big but could be less than 1%—context matters.
Ignoring Composition: If you don’t know which 30 stocks are in the Dow, you can’t really understand its movement.
Confusing Futures and Cash: Overnight futures might be green, but that doesn’t guarantee the index will open up.
Overlooking Timestamps: If you’re in a different time zone, you could be looking at stale data without realizing it.
Practical Tips for Following the Dow Jones
(These work whether you’re a trader or just market-curious)
- Always check two reliable sources for current numbers.
- Note the timestamp to make sure you’re seeing the latest data.
- Watch top point contributors—they tell the real story of the move.
- Compare the Dow’s performance to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq for full context.
- Keep an eye on the weekly market calendar so you know what’s coming.
Conclusion
The Dow Jones today is more than a number—it’s a pulse check on big corporate America, the economy, and investor sentiment. Whether you’re tracking it from New York or Karachi, understanding why it’s moving is as important as knowing how much it’s moving.
If you want to follow the Dow with more confidence, start by pairing live data with context:
- Know the point contributors
- Understand the macro backdrop
- Watch the calendar
Do that consistently, and you won’t just be watching the Dow—you’ll be reading the market’s mood.
Have you ever researched high-yield savings accounts? Here’s a hard truth: That savings account you’ve had since college? It’s basically robbing you. While you’re earning a pathetic 0.38% interest (if you’re lucky), your money could be making 10-15 times more in a high yield savings accounts. I learned this the hard way when I realized I’d left nearly $1,000 in potential earnings on the table by keeping my emergency fund in a traditional bank account.
Let me show you why moving your money to a high yield savings account (HYSA) is the easiest financial upgrade you’ll make this year – and exactly how to do it without any hassle.
Why Your Current Savings Account is Costing You Money
Right now, inflation is hovering around 2.8%. That means if your savings account earns less than that (and at 0.38%, it definitely does), your money is actually losing value every year. It’s like watching your cash slowly melt away while doing nothing about it.
Here’s what most people don’t realize:
- The average American has $5,300 in savings
- At 0.38% interest, that earns about $20/year
- That same amount in a HYSA at 5%? $265/year
That’s enough for:
✓ A nice dinner out with your partner every quarter
✓ Half a car payment
✓ A decent chunk toward holiday gifts
✓ Peace of mind knowing your emergency fund is actually growing
How High Yield Savings Accounts Actually Work
HYSAs aren’t some fancy financial product—they’re just regular savings accounts that actually pay you decent interest. The reason they can offer 4-5% when big banks only offer 0.38% comes down to one simple thing: overhead.
Traditional banks with thousands of branches have to pay for:
- Rent in prime locations
- Fancy marble lobbies
- Hundreds of tellers and managers
Online banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover don’t have these costs, so they pass the savings to you in the form of higher interest rates. It’s really that simple.
The Nuts and Bolts:
- FDIC insuredup to $250,000 (just as safe as your current bank)
- No minimum balancewith most top providers
- Takes 5 minutesto open online
- Same accessto your money (with some transfer limits)
2025’s Best High Yield Savings Accounts (With Real Pros and Cons)
After testing dozens of accounts and talking to actual users, here are the standouts:
Varo Bank (5.00% APY)
Best for: People who want the absolute highest rate
- No minimum balance
- Super user-friendly app
- Must meet some requirements to get the 5% rate
- “I’ve earned $327 in 6 months with zero effort” – Sarah K., teacher
Ally Bank (4.25% APY)
Best for: Savers who love useful features
- “Buckets” let you organize savings goals
- No fees whatsoever
- 24/7 customer service
- “The buckets feature helped me save for my wedding without even thinking about it” – Michael T., graphic designer
Synchrony Bank (4.10% APY)
Best for: People who want ATM access
- Free ATM card
- Fee reimbursements
- Slightly clunky website
- “I needed cash fast when my car broke down – the ATM card saved me” – Jamal R., rideshare driver
Marcus by Goldman Sachs (4.00% APY)
Best for: Set-it-and-forget-it savers
- No gimmicks or fine print
- Easy transfers
- “The simplest banking experience I’ve ever had” – Priya N., nurse
The 5-Minute Guide to Switching Banks (Without the Headache)
I used to think switching banks would be a nightmare. Then I did it last year and realized it’s about as complicated as ordering takeout. Here’s exactly how to do it:
- Choose your new bank from the list above
- Gather your info (ID, Social Security number, current account details)
- Open the account online (takes <5 minutes)
- Transfer a small amount first ($100 or so) to test
- Set up direct deposit or automatic transfers
- Close your old accounts once everything’s moved
Pro tip: Keep enough in your old account to cover any automatic payments for a month while everything transitions.
Common Fears (And Why They’re Overblown)
“What if I need my money fast?”
Most HYSAs let you transfer money to your checking account in 1-3 business days. Some (like Synchrony) even offer ATM cards for instant access.
“Is my money really safe?”
Yes! FDIC insurance works exactly the same way as at your current bank. Your money is protected up to $250,000 per account.
“The rates seem too good to be true…”
They’re not. Online banks have lower costs, so they can afford to pay more interest. It’s that simple.
Advanced HYSA Hacks to Maximize Your Earnings
Once you’ve got your HYSA set up, try these tricks to squeeze out even more value:
The Double-Dip Strategy
Open accounts at two different banks and split your savings between them. This way you can:
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses at both
- Have backup access if one bank has issues
- Potentially earn slightly different rates
The Automatic Escalator Plan
Set your automatic transfers to increase by 1% every month. If you start with $200/month, in a year you’ll be saving $225 without feeling the pinch.
The Interest Snowball
Have your interest payments automatically transfer to a separate account. Watching this “free money” grow separately can be incredibly motivating.
When a High Yield Savings Account Isn’t the Right Choice
As great as HYSAs are, they’re not perfect for every situation:
You Might Want Something Else If…
- You won’t touch the money for 5+ years (consider index funds)
- You need check-writing privileges (look at money market accounts)
- You’re chasing the absolute highest returns (but with more risk)
The Life-Changing Math of Switching Today
Let’s look at what happens to $10,000 over different time periods:
| Year | Traditional Savings (0.38%) | HYSA (5.00%) | Difference |
| 1 | $10,038 | $10,500 | +$462 |
| 5 | $10,191 | $12,763 | +$2,572 |
| 10 | $10,386 | $16,289 | +$5,903 |
That $5,900 difference after 10 years could be:
- A dream vacation
- A down payment on a car
- A fully funded emergency fund
- Peace of mind in retirement
All from simply moving your money to a different account.
Your Action Plan (Do This Today)
- Check your current savings account interest rate(I’ll wait…)
- Pick one of the recommended HYSAsfrom our list
- Open an account(5 minutes max)
- Transfer your first $100to get started
- Set up automatic transfers(even $25/week adds up)
Remember: The best time to open a high yield savings accounts was five years ago. The second-best time is today. Your future self will thank you when that extra money comes in handy for an emergency, opportunity, or just treating yourself to something nice.
Final thought: Money doesn’t grow on trees, but it can grow in the right savings account. Why settle for pennies when dollars are just a few clicks away?