The first Home Express store opened in Fremont, California on August 23, 1986, as a joint venture between Ross' then-chairman Stuart G. Moldau and former chairman of R. H. Macy & Co.'s California division, Philip S. Schlein. The chain was partly owned by U.S. Venture Partners, a Menlo Park-based venture capital firm whose portfolio also included Gymboree, Imaginarium, and Ross.
1989-1991[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Custom
Launched:
August 1989
Home Express entered bankruptcy protection in early 1990, and emerged with a restructuring plan in September after closing several stores.
1991-1994[]
1994-1997[]
Home Express filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 1996, blaming weak sales and software mishaps. At the time they had 33 stores in seven states. By August 1997, the chain was down to 12 stores in three states. After an evaluation revealed they owed $60 million to creditors, the company began liquidating late that month.
