Why Shoppers Can’t Shop HomeGoods Online and What to Do
Shopping online at HomeGoods used to be an option, but that ended in 2023 when the company closed its e-commerce site.
Many shoppers were left wondering why and searching for a similar mix of style and value, as well as identifying what is worth skipping at HomeGoods.
In this article, you’ll see exactly why HomeGoods stopped selling online, what it means for you, and which alternatives are worth checking out.
I’ll also share useful in-store shopping tips and lessons other retailers can take from this move.
If you’ve ever relied on HomeGoods for affordable finds, you may also be curious about how HomeGoods sources its inventory. This guide will help you figure out the best next step.
Why HomeGoods Shut Down Online Shopping
HomeGoods closed its e-commerce site in October 2023 after testing online sales for just two years. The decision was tied to low demand, with less than 1% of revenue coming from online orders.
Shipping large and fragile items often led to breakage and costly returns, which added to the losses.
The brand chose instead to focus on its more than 900 stores, where shoppers enjoy the thrill of browsing new finds.
This “treasure hunt” experience is central to their identity, but it doesn’t translate well online, where product turnover and discovery are harder to recreate.
What Shoppers Need to Know
HomeGoods no longer sells online, but you still have options for inspiration, alternatives, and similar stores that carry the same mix of home goods.
Can You Still Use the Website?
Yes, but only as a source of ideas. The HomeGoods website now highlights seasonal looks, decor themes, and style inspiration rather than direct shopping.
You can browse for trends and plan store visits, but you cannot add items to a cart. Think of it as a digital catalog to spark ideas before heading in person.
In-Store Shopping Benefits And Drawbacks
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Fresh items and unique finds on every visit | Must shop quickly before items sell out |
| Lower prices compared to many competitors | Limited return policy depending on the store |
| Clearance shelves offer hidden markdowns | No online convenience or home delivery |
| Chance to discover unexpected pieces | Inventory varies, not always predictable |
Why Online Couldn’t Match the HomeGoods Experience
Many shoppers on forums shared frustration after online orders arrived broken or were later canceled due to inventory gaps. Others missed the thrill of unexpected finds that keep stores exciting.
Online listings felt static, with fewer choices and no surprise element. In-store shopping, by contrast, creates a sense of discovery each visit.
This difference explains why HomeGoods abandoned e-commerce, despite customer interest in digital access.
Where to Shop HomeGoods Alternatives Online
If you can’t shop HomeGoods online, several other retailers provide similar products with different focuses, prices, and convenient digital access.
| Store | Main Focus | Online Shopping | Price Range | Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TJ Maxx | Home decor, furniture, clearance | Yes | Budget–Mid | Frequent new arrivals, free shipping promos |
| Marshalls | Fashion plus home goods | Yes | Budget–Mid | Wider clothing mix alongside decor |
| Sierra | Outdoor and lifestyle goods | Yes | Budget–Mid | Gear-focused, seasonal discounts |
| Target | General home and essentials | Yes | Budget–Mid | Curbside pickup, wide selection |
| Michaels | Crafts and seasonal decor | Yes | Budget | Coupons, craft-specific items |
| Amazon | Wide variety, fast delivery | Yes | All ranges | Prime shipping, vast catalog |
| Wayfair | Furniture and big-ticket items | Yes | Mid–High | Financing options, large furniture focus |
What Retailers Can Learn From HomeGoods’ Decision
HomeGoods’ online closure highlights bigger lessons for retailers about customer behavior, product challenges, and competition in the digital age.
Why Off-Price Retail Struggles Online
Off-price retail depends on constant product turnover, making it hard to list items before they sell out. Shipping bulky or fragile goods adds risk and costs, often leading to returns.
Customers lose the surprise element that drives in-store visits, which online platforms can’t easily replicate. This combination makes digital selling unsustainable for discount-driven chains like HomeGoods.
Comparison to Amazon, Wayfair, And Competitors
Unlike HomeGoods, Amazon, and Wayfair thrive online by maintaining steady product availability, stronger logistics, and vast supplier networks. Target balances both in-store and online success with same-day pickup and delivery options.
HomeGoods couldn’t match these conveniences because its model relies on unpredictable inventory. Competitors win by offering reliability and convenience, while HomeGoods remains tied to the in-store treasure hunt concept.
Will HomeGoods Ever Bring Back E-Commerce?
There’s no clear plan for HomeGoods to relaunch online shopping. The brand’s parent company, TJX, continues investing in physical stores instead. Unless digital logistics improve and a new way to showcase limited inventory emerges, it’s unlikely to return soon.
Shoppers seeking online convenience should find sister brands like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls, which continue to offer their home selections digitally.
Conclusion
HomeGoods shut down its online store because it couldn’t balance costs, shipping challenges, and its unique treasure-hunt style of shopping.
Now you know what that decision means for you, which online alternatives offer the best mix of convenience and price, and how to make the most of in-store visits.
The key takeaway is simple: HomeGoods still thrives, but only in person. If you want digital access to similar finds, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and other retailers fill the gap.
Continue finding smart shopping strategies, compare your options, and visit my other articles for more practical advice on maximizing the value of your home shopping.
