Do you remember Home Quarters Warehouse?
Home Quarters Warehouse Store: Transforming Homes with Quality and Style
Home Quarters Warehouse (HQ) was an American chain of “big-box” home improvement stores, originally based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In 1984, the chemical manufacturing company W.R. Grace & Co. announced its intentions to enter the home improvement retail business, hiring Bernard R. Kossar and Frank Doczi to head the new chain.
The first Home Quarters stores opened in February 1985 in Virginia Beach and Hampton, Virginia. Grace spun off HQ in 1986, and in October 1987 HQ was in the midst of doing an IPO when “Black Monday” [stock market crash] occurred. The SEC put a moratorium on any IPO until the stock market stabilized. In December 1987, Hechinger agreed to buy HQ for $66 million. The merger was completed in February 1988, with Frank Doczi left in charge of the Home Quarters division (Kossar moves on to found OW Office Warehouse, an office supply store that used a logo and branding similar to that of HQ). Under Hechinger, HQ expanded to much of the United States as a viable competitor to Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Builders Square.
However, by 1995 its parent company Hechinger had been hit with financial trouble and began to scale back its operations, including moving HQ’s headquarters from Virginia Beach to Hechinger’s main office in Landover, Maryland. The Hechinger family sold the company to Los Angeles investors Leonard Green & Partners for $507 million in July 1997, and the management launched new, smaller concept stores called Better Spaces and Wye River Hardware & Home searching for a niche. In September, Hechinger/HQ was merged with San Antonio, Texas-based Builders Square, formerly owned by Kmart.
After several rounds of store closings, Hechinger Co. and Home Quarters Warehouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 11, 1999, but the reorganization failed. That September, Hechinger’s assets were liquidated, including its 117 remaining stores.
Home Quarters Store, a renowned name in the home improvement industry, has long been synonymous with exceptional quality, style, and customer satisfaction. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of Home Quarters Store, exploring its origins, notable achievements, and the enduring impact it has had on homeowners across the nation.
Origins and Early Years: Home Quarters Store was established in February 1985 with the vision of providing homeowners with a one-stop destination for all their home improvement needs. From the outset, the company aimed to offer an extensive range of products, exceptional service, and expert advice to transform houses into homes.
Expansion and National Presence: Driven by its commitment to excellence, Home Quarters Store quickly gained popularity among homeowners. With its unique approach to customer service and a wide selection of high-quality products, the company expanded its operations and opened multiple locations throughout the country. From coast to coast, homeowners flocked to Home Quarters Store, making it a household name.
Commitment to Quality and Style: What set Home Quarters Store apart was its unwavering dedication to quality and style. The store stocked a vast array of products, ranging from hardware and building materials to appliances, furniture, and décor items. Homeowners could find everything they needed under one roof, making their home improvement projects convenient and inspiring.
Expert Advice and Customer Satisfaction: At Home Quarters Store, it was not just about the products; it was also about providing unparalleled customer service. The store employed knowledgeable staff members who were passionate about helping customers achieve their vision for their homes. They offered expert advice, product recommendations, and solutions to challenges, ensuring that homeowners had a positive and rewarding experience.
Notable Achievements and Legacy: Throughout its history, Home Quarters Store achieved several milestones and left an indelible mark on the home improvement industry. Some of its notable achievements include:
Industry Recognition: Home Quarters Store garnered acclaim for its exceptional service, earning recognition and accolades within the home improvement sector.
Community Engagement: The company actively engaged with local communities, supporting charitable initiatives, and contributing to the betterment of neighborhoods across the nation.
Inspirational Showrooms: Home Quarters Store revolutionized the home improvement shopping experience by creating captivating showrooms that provided homeowners with inspiration and ideas for their projects.
Trusted Partner: Homeowners regarded Home Quarters Store as a trusted partner in their home improvement endeavors, relying on the store’s quality products and reliable service.
The Rise & Fall of Home Quarters Warehouse (HQ)
The first Home Quarters stores opened in February 1985 in Virginia Beach and Hampton, Virginia.
After several rounds of store closings, Hechinger Co. and Home Quarters Warehouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 11, 1999, but the reorganization failed. In September 1999, Hechinger's assets were liquidated, including its 117 remaining stores.
Home Quarters Store has established itself as a trusted name in the home improvement industry, combining a rich history with exceptional service, quality products, and expert advice. From its humble beginnings to its national presence, the company has transformed countless houses into beautiful homes. Although Home Quarters Store may no longer be in operation, its legacy lives on, inspiring homeowners to create spaces that reflect their unique style and bring their vision to life..
Click through the gallery above to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and rediscover some of the most beloved retail stores that were once the ultimate gathering spots. Relive the magic of these bygone days and cherish the memories that have stood the test of time. But wait, there’s more! We’d love to hear from you too! If you have any information, stories, or anecdotes about these cherished spots, share them in the comments below. Let’s create a community of shared memories and celebrate the places we hold dear. Did we miss one of your personal favorites? Don’t hesitate to tell us all about it in the comments! Join us in honoring the past, as we recall these cherished retail stores that may be gone but will never be forgotten.
