1904
370
$250,000
$25,000
$600,000
No
Badcock Home Furniture & More was a prominent American furniture retailer with a rich history spanning over 120 years. Founded in 1904 by Wogan S. Badcock in Mulberry, Florida, the company grew to operate more than 370 stores across eight southeastern states, offering a wide range of furniture, bedding, appliances, electronics, and accessories .
Over the years, Badcock became known for its commitment to providing quality home furnishings at affordable prices, catering to middle-income families. The company expanded its reach through a combination of company-owned and dealer-owned franchise units, establishing a strong presence in the southeastern U.S. In 2021, Badcock was acquired by Franchise Group, Inc., a publicly held company that owns and operates various franchised businesses .
However, in December 2023, Conn's Inc., a Texas-based home goods retailer, acquired Badcock from Franchise Group . Despite the acquisition, Conn's faced significant financial challenges, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in July 2024. As a result, Conn's announced the closure of all Badcock locations, marking the end of an era for the historic furniture chain .
Investing in a franchise like Badcock Home Furniture & More offers several advantages:
Established Brand Recognition: Benefit from the legacy of a well-known brand with over a century of market presence.
Comprehensive Training and Support: Receive extensive training programs covering operations, marketing, and customer service to ensure franchisee success.
Proven Business Model: Leverage a tested business model that has been refined over decades, offering a blueprint for success.
Access to Established Supply Chains: Utilize established relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent product availability and quality.
Marketing and Advertising Support: Benefit from national and regional advertising campaigns designed to drive customer traffic to franchise locations.
Established Year: 1904
Founder: Wogan S. Badcock
Headquarters: Mulberry, Florida, USA
Industry Category: Retail – Furniture and Home Furnishings
Franchise Units: Over 370 stores (combination of company-owned and dealer-owned franchises at peak)
Ownership History:
1904–2021: Founded and privately operated by Wogan S. Badcock and his family, Badcock Home Furniture grew steadily over the decades. The brand became synonymous with affordable, quality home furniture, bedding, appliances, and electronics, catering primarily to middle-income families in the southeastern United States.
2021–2023: Acquired by Franchise Group, Inc., a publicly held company managing multiple franchised businesses. This acquisition aimed to expand Badcock’s operational efficiency and leverage its strong regional brand recognition.
December 2023: Acquired by Conn’s Inc., a Texas-based home goods retailer, with plans to integrate the stores into Conn’s retail operations.
July 2024: Conn’s Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which ultimately led to the closure of all Badcock stores by October 2024.
Market Presence in the USA:
Badcock Home Furniture had a strong presence in the southeastern United States, with stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and North Carolina. The chain was widely recognized for its customer-friendly financing options, diverse product offerings, and community-oriented approach.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Early Years (1904–1950s): Badcock started as a small, family-owned furniture store in Mulberry, Florida, quickly gaining a reputation for affordable quality and excellent customer service.
Expansion Era (1960s–1990s): The brand expanded throughout the southeastern states, combining company-owned stores with franchised dealer-owned locations, creating a robust regional network.
Modernization & Diversification (2000s–2020s): Introduced a wider range of products, including electronics and appliances, while enhancing its financing programs and marketing campaigns to compete with national chains.
Acquisition & Decline (2021–2024): Acquisition by Franchise Group and later Conn’s Inc. marked a turning point, but financial difficulties and bankruptcy led to the eventual closure of all locations.
Industry Category: Retail, specializing in furniture, bedding, home appliances, electronics, and home décor accessories, positioning itself as a one-stop home solution for customers seeking quality at competitive prices.
Badcock Home Furniture had a comprehensive support system in place for its franchisees, designed to ensure that each franchise could operate efficiently, serve customers effectively, and achieve profitability. The support covered all phases of the business, from pre-launch to ongoing operations:
Site Selection Assistance: Franchisees received expert guidance on choosing an optimal location based on market demographics, traffic patterns, and competition.
Store Design & Layout: Professional support for store setup, including floor planning, merchandising strategies, and fixture placement to maximize customer flow and sales potential.
Inventory Planning: Assistance in selecting the right mix of furniture, bedding, appliances, and home décor products tailored to local market demand.
Initial Training: Intensive training programs covering operational procedures, sales techniques, customer service protocols, and store management before opening.
Day-to-Day Guidance: Ongoing operational support to help franchisees manage staff, maintain inventory, handle customer service issues, and optimize workflow.
Performance Monitoring: Regular assessments and advice to improve store performance, sales metrics, and operational efficiency.
Vendor & Supply Chain Access: Franchisees leveraged established supplier relationships to ensure product quality, competitive pricing, and reliable stock replenishment.
National Advertising Campaigns: Access to regional and national marketing programs to drive brand awareness and store traffic.
Promotional Materials: Ready-to-use marketing materials, digital content, and local advertising support to help franchisees attract and retain customers.
Sales Strategies: Guidance on seasonal promotions, in-store events, and customer engagement strategies to maximize revenue.
Budgeting & Financial Planning: Assistance with financial management, cash flow planning, and tracking profitability.
Reporting Systems: Tools for tracking sales, inventory, and performance metrics to make informed business decisions.
Operational Manuals: Comprehensive guides covering policies, procedures, and best practices for consistent and efficient store management.
Product Education: Detailed training on furniture styles, home décor trends, bedding options, electronics, and appliances to help franchisees and their staff educate customers effectively.
Sales Techniques: Coaching on upselling, cross-selling, and closing sales, tailored to the home furnishings industry.
Customer Service Excellence: Emphasis on creating a positive in-store experience to encourage repeat business and build brand loyalty.
Continuous Learning: Periodic workshops, webinars, and refresher courses to keep franchisees updated on industry trends, new products, and sales strategies.
Franchisee Network: Opportunities to connect with other franchisees for knowledge sharing, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
Summary:
Badcock Home Furniture offered end-to-end support for its franchisees, ensuring that even those new to retail could benefit from a proven system, professional training, and ongoing operational guidance. This support system was designed to maximize the chances of success and maintain brand consistency across all locations.
Badcock Home Furniture sought franchisees who were not only financially capable but also shared the brand’s vision of providing quality home furnishings to the community. The ideal franchisee combined business acumen, leadership skills, and a passion for customer service. Below is a detailed profile:
Retail Experience: While prior experience in furniture or home goods retail was advantageous, it was not mandatory. Franchisees with strong management or entrepreneurial backgrounds were considered suitable.
Operational Skills: Ability to manage daily store operations, including staffing, inventory control, customer service, and financial management.
Financial Management: Experience in budgeting, planning, and monitoring business finances to ensure profitability.
Leadership & Team Management: Ability to recruit, train, and motivate a team to maintain high service standards and efficient store operations.
Customer-Centric Mindset: Passion for helping customers create comfortable and stylish living spaces, focusing on excellent service and satisfaction.
Community Engagement: Enthusiasm for building strong local relationships and engaging with the community through events, promotions, and partnerships.
Financial Readiness: Sufficient capital to cover franchise fees, store setup, inventory, marketing, and initial working capital until the business becomes profitable.
Long-Term Commitment: Willingness to invest time, effort, and resources in growing the franchise over several years.
Strategic Location Selection: Interest in operating in areas with high potential for home furnishings sales, such as suburban or growing residential communities.
Market Awareness: Understanding of local market demographics, consumer behavior, and competition to tailor offerings effectively.
Proactive & Goal-Oriented: A self-motivated individual who actively seeks opportunities to grow sales, improve operations, and expand the customer base.
Adaptable & Learning-Oriented: Open to learning from corporate support, training programs, and other franchisees to continuously improve store performance.
The ideal Badcock Home Furniture franchisee was someone who combined financial capability, leadership skills, and a passion for home furnishings retail with a commitment to community engagement and business growth. Franchisees who fit this profile were best positioned to leverage the brand’s established reputation and proven business model to achieve success.
| Financial Parameter | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $600,000 (depending on store size and location) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Franchise Units | 370+ stores (at peak, combination of company-owned and dealer-owned) |
| Infrastructure / Store Setup Cost | $150,000 – $350,000 (leasehold improvements, fixtures, signage, equipment) |
| Marketing Budget | $5,000 – $15,000 (initial local marketing, grand opening campaigns) |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 (for operating expenses during initial months) |
| Royalty Fees | 5% – 7% of gross sales (typical furniture retail franchise rate) |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually (depending on location, management efficiency, and market demand) |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 36 months (varies by store size and market conditions) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Furniture sales, bedding, home appliances, electronics, accessories, in-store financing plans |
