If you’ve driven past your local Old Time Pottery and noticed the lights still on, you might wonder what’s actually happening with this discount home goods retailer. You may have heard rumors about the company shutting down or seen headlines about bankruptcy filings. But here’s the real story: Old Time Pottery is not going out of business. Yes, the company hit a rough patch during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has made a comeback and is still operating dozens of stores across multiple states.
Why People Thought Old Time Pottery Was in Trouble
A lot of confusion started when news broke in June 2020 that Old Time Pottery had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Chapter 11 means a company is looking to reorganize its debts—not liquidate or close down entirely. But, for a lot of shoppers, the “B-word” can sound alarming.
The main reason for this move was the sudden hit to sales during the early months of the pandemic. Stores were forced to close for weeks at a time. Even when they reopened, customer traffic was nowhere near normal. According to company representatives, this steep drop in revenue made it impossible for Old Time Pottery to meet its existing financial obligations. The choice was either fold, or use Chapter 11 to try to fix the business.
What Actually Happened in Bankruptcy?
So, what does “filing for bankruptcy” really mean here? Old Time Pottery asked the courts for legal protection while it worked out new deals with creditors—the folks it owed money to, like landlords and suppliers. Chapter 11 can sound scary, but it’s just a way to keep the business running while making a plan to pay everyone back.
At the time, many businesses were doing the same thing for the same pandemic-related reasons. Airlines, retailers, and restaurants all faced sudden drops in revenue. Some never reopened. Old Time Pottery, though, wasn’t looking for an exit. It was trying to come out stronger.
Store Closures: What Closed and What Stayed Open?
As part of the bankruptcy process, the company had to look hard at its real estate. Not every Old Time Pottery location was making money—some stores simply weren’t holding their own even before 2020. During bankruptcy, several underperforming stores were closed to help stabilize the business. These included locations in places like Fayetteville, North Charleston, Orlando, and Rockford. If you shopped at one of those stores, the closure probably felt sudden.
But here’s what didn’t happen: there were no massive layoffs, and most of Old Time Pottery’s stores kept doing business as usual. The restructuring plan focused on keeping the healthiest stores open. Employees at the remaining locations continued working, and customers could still find deals on home décor and seasonal items.
Coming Out the Other Side: How Old Time Pottery Emerged from Bankruptcy
The bankruptcy story actually ended months later—much better than you might expect. By November 2020, Old Time Pottery had confirmed a reorganization plan with the court. The company secured new long-term financing and, according to public filings, was able to pay back its creditors in full. That part is a bit unusual for bankruptcies. In a lot of cases, creditors get only a fraction of what they’re owed. Here, they received full payment, which is a sign the business was still fundamentally healthy.
One notable part of the restructuring plan was its focus on moving ahead instead of looking back. The company kept 41 of its retail stores open and even started hiring again at both the store and corporate levels. For employees and loyal customers, this was not the end of the story. It was a sign that Old Time Pottery had hit turbulence, but managed to get back on course.
How Did the Company Restructure and What Changed?
So, what else changed after bankruptcy? The reorganization kept core locations open and closed just the weakest performers. The company also tightened up operations to prevent future money troubles. They cut costs where it made sense, smoothed out their supply chain, and worked closely with suppliers to ensure shelves would stay stocked.
Old Time Pottery even updated some of its merchandising and marketing strategies. They adjusted their product selection so stores could better reflect what shoppers were actually buying. Instead of stretching the business thin, they focused on running a tighter ship. The new plan put stability over risky expansion. Employees and managers were encouraged to spot problems early and fix them, instead of ignoring them.
Still Open: Where You Can Find Old Time Pottery Today
You might be wondering, “Okay, but what does all this mean for me?” Right now, Old Time Pottery is still out there—still running dozens of stores from Alabama to Florida, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Indiana, and several other states. After the 2020 restructuring, the company reported operating 41 retail stores. That number has stayed fairly stable since then, even as retail continues to change fast.
Customers continue to flock to Old Time Pottery’s stores for bargains on home décor, kitchen supplies, patio furniture, and holiday decorations. The stores are still big, and the merchandise always changes. Many locations have even rehired staff or added positions, which doesn’t sound like a business getting ready to shut down.
What About Isolated Store Closures?
It’s true that Old Time Pottery occasionally closes a location—but this hasn’t been a pattern of shutting down whole regions. For example, in 2023, the company closed its Bonita Springs, Florida store. But that decision wasn’t about financial collapse. The company lost its lease at that particular site. Sometimes retail stores close because landlords want to redevelop a property, charge more rent, or use the space for something else. That was the case here.
Other smaller Old Time Pottery closures have happened over the years, too, but each has been localized. You might read a Facebook post or hear from neighbors about “store closing sales,” but these are isolated incidents rather than a sign of broader problems.
Retail businesses always shift locations from time to time. Someone driving by a shuttered store might assume the whole chain is collapsing, but that just isn’t true here.
Why the Company’s Situation Looks More Stable Now
Since emerging from bankruptcy, Old Time Pottery has kept its financial house in order. The company learned a lot during the pandemic and reorganization. They now operate with better controls, more efficient supply chains, and a healthy awareness of keeping costs in line.
There’s no current evidence suggesting the company is about to fold. Financial reports and business analysts agree that Old Time Pottery stabilized after bankruptcy. Industry trade publications have pointed out the company’s “clean exit” from Chapter 11—a rarity for retailers over the last few years. This means creditors were fully paid, suppliers were kept, and employees remained in place.
If you’re interested in how other retailers have handled similar challenges, you can find more on business trends and restructuring strategies over at Serabusiness.com.
The Practical Reality for Shoppers and Employees
If you work at Old Time Pottery or shop there regularly, most likely you haven’t seen much change since 2021. Stores are continuing to operate pretty much as they always have. Every now and then, you might hear about a store shutting its doors, but the majority are still welcoming shoppers just as before.
Employees report job stability post-bankruptcy, with some stores even growing staff teams. From a customer’s perspective, inventory and shopping experience have stayed on track—even in the unpredictable world of discount retail.
Looking Ahead: Still in Business and Serving Customers
So, back to where we started: No, Old Time Pottery is not going out of business. While the bankruptcy process and a handful of store closures created a lot of headlines, the company itself never shut down. Emerging from bankruptcy in late 2020, Old Time Pottery restructured, paid off its debts, and focused on running stronger stores.
There could always be more changes in the retail world. Consumer tastes shift, leases run out, and the economy is never boring. But as of now, Old Time Pottery continues to serve communities in multiple states, offering affordable home goods and seasonal finds.
If you’re considering a trip to your local store, you’re still in luck. The bargains, unique décor items, and massive displays aren’t going anywhere. The chain has made it clear: while it’s not immune to changes in retail, Old Time Pottery is here to stay for the foreseeable future.