Who Owns Kirkland’s: TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and Facts
Kirkland’s is not owned by TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, or Costco. It is an independent, publicly traded company known as Kirkland’s, Inc., with headquarters in Brentwood, Tennessee.
I’ve followed their leadership, and Steve Woodward currently serves as CEO, steering the company toward refreshed store formats and stronger online growth.
Unlike TJX-owned chains, Kirkland’s focuses entirely on being a specialty retailer for home décor, curated furniture, and seasonal accents. The company has grown steadily, building a presence across many U.S. communities while balancing affordability with style.
While discount giants thrive on bulk buying and brand bargains, Kirkland’s fills a unique position between value-driven retailers and higher-end furniture outlets.
Kirkland’s Company Timeline
Kirkland’s growth over the decades shows its shift from a small regional retailer to a well-known specialty home décor brand.
Founded in the 1960s, it began with a mission to provide stylish, affordable home accessories to local shoppers.
- Founded in 1966 in Jackson, Tennessee, as a small décor shop.
- Expanded through the 1980s–90s into malls and suburban centers.
- Went public in 1997 under the ticker KIRK.
- The 2010s brought remodeling and bigger furniture offerings.
- Recently pivoted toward e-commerce and omnichannel services.
Kirkland’s momentum shows how it has adapted to shifting shopper preferences while staying independent. This keeps home decor accessible and stylish without merging with bigger firms.
Is Kirkland’s Owned by TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, or Costco?
Many shoppers wonder if Kirkland’s is owned by popular retail giants like TJX Companies or Costco, but it remains an independent entity.
Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the brand’s unique market position and dispels common ownership misconceptions.
1. TJX (TJ Maxx/HomeGoods)
TJ Maxx and HomeGoods belong to TJX Companies, the world’s largest off-price retailer. These stores focus on discounted brand-name apparel, home décor, and rotating merchandise across thousands of locations.
Unlike Kirkland’s, TJX’s model hinges on frequent inventory turnover and off-price deals rather than Kirkland’s curated selection of home furniture and décor items crafted for specialty shoppers.
2. Costco’s Kirkland Signature
Costco’s Kirkland Signature is a private-label brand owned by Costco Wholesale Corporation. It offers groceries, household essentials, and bulk products under this name, which notably shares no corporate connection with Kirkland’s, Inc.
This causes confusion, but the two serve very different markets: Costco’s bulk wholesale focus contrasts with Kirkland’s specialty in curated home décor.
3. Kirkland’s Ownership vs. TJX
Kirkland’s, Inc. is an independent publicly traded company focusing on affordable, specialty home décor, unlike TJX, which operates as a massive off-price conglomerate.
This difference in ownership means Kirkland’s emphasizes a curated product approach, staying nimble to home design trends, while TJX’s vast buying power centers on broad discount offerings across multiple retail categories.
Competitor Landscape
For shoppers exploring stores like Kirkland’s, comparing business models with TJ Maxx or HomeGoods helps highlight why Kirkland’s stands out in the competitive home décor discount retail space.
| Aspect | Kirkland’s | TJ Maxx | Homegoods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Home décor & seasonal | Apparel + home section | Home goods exclusively |
| Price Range | $5-$150 | $8-$200 | $6-$300 |
| Pricing Strategy | EDLP + 20-50% sales | Off-price (20-60% off MSRP) | Off-price treasure hunt |
| Store Count | ~350 stores | ~1,200+ stores | ~800+ stores |
| Online Shopping | Full e-commerce | Limited home goods online | No e-commerce |
| Store Experience | ★★★☆☆ Boutique-style |
★★★★☆ Treasure hunt |
★★★★★ Designer showroom |
| Product Selection | ★★★☆☆ Focused home décor |
★★★★☆ Broad categories |
★★★★★ Premium home goods |
| Shopping Convenience | ★★★★★ Omnichannel options |
★★★☆☆ Limited digital |
★★☆☆☆ In-store only |
Kirkland’s differentiates through specialized home décor focus and superior omnichannel capabilities, while TJ Maxx offers a broader selection, and HomeGoods provides the most premium treasure hunt experience.
Each serves distinct customer preferences within the discount home retail market.
Ownership Myths and FAQs
There are several common questions about Kirkland’s ownership that often confuse shoppers. Below, myths are clarified quickly with straightforward facts to keep the picture clear.
1. Is Kirkland’s Affiliated with Bed Bath & Beyond?
Myth: Kirkland’s is owned by Bed Bath & Beyond.
Fact: Kirkland’s is not owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, but it has partnered with Beyond, Inc., which owns Bed Bath & Beyond, to convert some stores under new brand names in select markets as part of a rebranding strategy.
2. Is Kirkland’s Being Sold?
Myth: Kirkland’s is currently being sold to another company.
Fact: The company is not being sold; rather, it is undergoing a rebrand and strategic store conversions while strengthening its financial position with investments from Beyond, Inc.
3. Does Costco Own Kirkland’s?
Myth: Costco owns Kirkland’s because of the Kirkland name.
Fact: Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand and Kirkland’s, Inc. are separate entities with no ownership ties, despite the name similarity. Costco focuses on private-label wholesale products, while Kirkland’s specializes in home décor retail.
Shopper Impact of Ownership
Kirkland’s independent ownership shapes many aspects of its customer experience, especially in pricing, product curation, and promotional strategies.
Pricing strategies emphasize value without competing directly with deep discount retailers, while promotions are used strategically to maintain interest and reward loyalty.
The curated décor selection reflects Kirkland’s commitment to staying nimble and responsive to changing tastes rather than following broad corporate mandates.
Independent ownership influences policies like refunds and discounts; our Kirkland’s Online Ordering and Price Adjustment Guide details how to save, showing its focus on convenience and value.
This distinctive positioning helps Kirkland’s stand apart in a competitive market.
Key Takeaways
Kirkland’s is an independent retailer, unlike TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, or Costco. Its ownership enables a focus on curated home décor, strategic pricing, and targeted promotions for its shoppers.
Understanding Kirkland’s unique position helps shoppers appreciate the value it offers beyond just low prices or big-box discounts.
While misconceptions about ownership persist, the real impact is seen in how Kirkland’s tailors its products and policies to meet customer needs.
What are your thoughts on Kirkland’s approach to home décor? Share your experiences or favorite finds in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.
