CALIFORNIA — In a sudden move, Howard’s Appliances — a nearly 80-year-old appliance chain, has closed all its retail locations in Souther California, leaving employees and customers scrambling with little warning.

According to a notice signed by Howard’s general manager logistics Isaiah Padilla, the closures are effective December 6 and were attributed to “circumstances beyond our control,” the OC Register reported.

An April 2025 press release announced Howard’s was acquired by private-equity firm S5 Equity — a deal that was initially described as a “commitment to investing in businesses with strong brand equity and untapped growth opportunities.”

Until this week, Howard’s operated roughly 17 locations across Southern California, including major centers in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. 

Employees reportedly received two days’ notice before being laid off, according to internal memos and multiple news reports. 

A social media user questioned whether the range their parents recently ordered would still be delivered.

“My mom called 4 different stores and no one is picking up. Has anyone heard anything about this?” one person posted.

The company’s website is currently inaccessible, leaving customers unable to get updates. 

Independent appliance retailer

Founded in 1946 as a radio-repair shop in San Gabriel, Howard’s grew over decades into one of Southern California’s leading independent appliance and mattress retailers. 

The company had expanded in recent years with “Experience Centers” — showroom-style stores where customers could test appliances in mock home-style settings. 

Earlier this year, its headquarters was relocated to the City of Industry, and after the acquisition by S5 Equity.

RELATED: California announces process to claim payments from $700 million Google settlement