Garden Ridge

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For the town, see Garden Ridge, Texas.
Garden Ridge LLC _
Type PrivateThree Cities Research
Founded 1979 (as Garden Ridge Pottery)
Headquarters Houston, Texas
Key people Tom Kibarian (CEO)
Industry Retail
Products Christmas & Seasonal
Decorative Accessories
Couches & Furniture
Framed Art & Mirrors
Patio Furniture
Discount Ready-to-Wear
Pottery & Garden
Bedding & Linens
Website http://www.gardenridge.com

Garden Ridge is an American privately held retail chain based in Houston, Texas. Starting with just one store, then known as Garden Ridge Pottery, in Schertz, Texas in 1979. The chain sells Pottery, Patio, Garden, Christmas, Home Decor, Bedding, Floral, Framed Art, Mirrors, Rugs, Furniture, and many other home-decorating accessories.

The chain operates 43 stores in 18 midwest and southeast states. They are also known for their seasonal Shop-A-Thon sales, where the store is open extended hours over a weekend offering deeper discounts on merchandise, with the most popular event starting on Thanksgiving day.

The chain is privately held by Three Cities Research. Garden Ridge declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2004 due to ongoing mismanagement and failed lease negotiations and underwent major reorganization closing ten stores in Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee, including the Airtex store in Houston, one of the original stores in the chain. The corporation emerged from Chapter 11 in 2005

In spite of consistently declining sales, Garden Ridge has managed to maintain profitability through rigorous expense control. CEO Tom Kibarian has laid off over 150 corporate employees, reducing the office staff by 70% since mid-2008. Similar cuts were made to the store payroll at every location. Large traditional decor businesses (like floral, party supplies, crafts, Christmas and other seasonal programs) have been significantly reduced or eliminated in favor of discounted clothing and ready-to-assemble furniture. These cuts -- along with advertising elimination and a more aggressive stance with vendor negotiations -- has boosted margin rates and transformed Garden Ridge in to a leaner, meaner version of its former self.

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