Wren Kitchens shuts down, leaves Long Island home improvement customers in the dust

Once again, a home improvement company has left Long Island residents high and dry with unfinished projects, lost deposits and uncertain warranty coverages on recently completed installations.  

On the heels of Alure Home Improvements’ collapse late last year, kitchen design retailer Wren Kitchens, which was headquartered in the United Kingdom, ceased all U.S. operations, shuttering a total of 15 stores in April.

The closures came without any prior notice, and included its four brick-and-mortar retail locations on Long Island — in Levittown, Commack, Massapequa and Selden.

Additionally, the company’s showroom studios inside Home Depot stores nationwide packed up and left for good. The kitchen retailer had inked a partnership agreement with Home Depot back in 2024, allowing Wren Kitchens Studios showrooms to be spotlighted inside Home Depot locations in the U.S.

The company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the District of Delaware bankruptcy court on April 24, according to court documents. Further, documents showed that Wren had assets in the range of $1 to $10 million with liabilities ranging from $10 to $50 million.

The company reported it had from 1,000 to 5,000 creditors. 

On Long Island, Danielle and Pete McHale of Centereach told News 12 Long Island they lost money to Wren and were left with their kitchen project unfinished.  

The couple said they had given the company more than $18,000 for a full kitchen remodel that was never done. A bank check for more than $16,000 was accepted by Wren on April 11, just before the company shut down for good, the McHales said. 

“They had to know they were heading towards bankruptcy at that time,” Pete McHale said. “They were cashing people’s checks, taking their money. It was actually theft.”

The McHales said they reported their case to the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which said it is checking into complaints related to Wren’s bankruptcy. 

The couple adds that they have not been given any indication that they will get their money back.

“They took our money and basically ran,” Pete McHale said.

On the review site Yelp!, a response to a complaint about Wren Kitchens was answered by someone named Cynthia who claims she’s a business owner from Wren Kitchens: 

The templated answer says, “Thank you for your feedback. We’re very sorry for the uncertainty and concern this situation may have caused. The US based Wren Holdings Inc. is now closed.

“A Trustee has been appointed to manage all outstanding matters, including queries relating to warranties, deposits and existing orders. Affected customers will be contacted shortly about their orders and the options available to them,” the Wren Kitchens comment continues. “We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.”

James McCauley, an attorney with Delaware-based Richards, Layton & Finger, representing Wren Kitchen’s in their bankruptcy proceeding, did not return calls and emails about the status of the case. 

Tips for hiring a contractor

“When hiring a contractor, homeowners should treat the process like a financial decision — not just a home improvement decision,” said Jeremy Schaedler, a principal with Surety First Insurance Services. 

He noted some useful tips include limiting upfront deposits; vetting contractors thoroughly before signing any agreement and requesting a detailed written contract outlining payment schedules, scope of work, change order procedures, timelines and material specifications. 

“Vague contracts often lead to disputes later,” he said.

Moreover, he said “to reduce the risk of a contractor suddenly shutting down or filing bankruptcy mid-project, homeowners should look for warning signs, such as unusually low bids, demands for large upfront payments, constant requests for accelerated payments, poor communication, or a contractor who appears overextended.” 

Fahed Bitar, a commercial and industrial construction expert for S-Line Contractors, a licensed general contractor in Riverside, California, said “Customers should immediately file a proof of claim directly with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware,” where Wren US Holdings Inc. filed its Chapter 7 petition on April 24, 2026.” 

He noted that filing a proof of claim “puts yourself on notice as someone the company owes money to.” He said failing to take this step will result in the court having no record of a customer being owed anything and the customer will receive nothing from any assets recovered in the liquidation.

Bitar also advised that people should protect themselves by checking the contractor’s license status directly with their state’s licensing board website before signing anything. 

“In New York, that’s the Department of State Division of Licensing Services. You enter the company name and it will tell you right away if they are licensed, bonded and in good standing,” he said. “Most people don’t do this because the contractor seems to have a good looking website and it looks professional.” 

Bitar additionally said customers should “never ever pay a big lump sum deposit in advance,” and instead set up milestones tied to specific project completion such as 20 percent at signing, 30 percent when materials are delivered and the rest at the end of the project. 

Another safeguard is to always pay with a credit card even if the contractor charges a small credit card processing fee.

“That fee is well worth the money, as credit card chargebacks offer you a direct route to recovery that bank transfers and checks do not,” Bitar said.

Writing on the review site Yelp!, Karen D. of Sayville, said she had a $65,000 kitchen installed by Wren and there were “some major problems.”

“Now, I see they have filed bankruptcy and maybe that is why the customer service never replied,” she said. “I owe them money but will now insist that they service the inferior installation before paying them anymore.”  

Another Yelp! complaint from Wren customer Anthony D. in Bethpage, noted that the customer’s experience with Wren was ” EXCEPTIONALLY BAD,” full of a myriad of design and measurement problems fitting appliances with the cabinets. 

In the midst of Wren’s sudden closure, several retailers are trying to seize the opportunity to step-up and help customers who may have been left with unfinished projects.

Consumer’s Kitchens & Baths, an independent kitchen and bath retailer, has posted this messabge on Facebook:

“Wren Kitchens customers, we’re here for you. If your project has been impacted by recent closures, our team is ready to help you move forward. For nearly 50 years, Long Island homeowners have trusted Consumers Kitchen & Bath for expert guidance, quality craftsmanship, and a smooth renovation experience.” 

It reads, “While we are shocked and saddened to learn about Wren Kitchens closing their doors, we understand that you still need the kitchen of your dreams. Let us help you realize that dream. Contact us.”

_{Top: Alan Krwaitz photo}