Our understanding of what’s happening, important considerations when online shopping, and how we can help

We’ve just heard that huge online store HOS Home (House of Sparkles) has ceased trading and left hundreds of thousands of customers possibly stranded with no one getting their items or refunds.

We just hope that if you or anyone else had an order with them, you didn’t have to find out from this post. This wasn’t just a HOS issue, it’s a huge issue with modern online shopping. With companies opening and closing overnight, cutting corners and bending the truth over DMs. Getting so big so fast that they can’t satisfy orders.

Until last week they were still advertising their products on Facebook and Instagram, with many customers saying they’ve been led to believe their orders were still going ahead. However a look at the HOS Home Companies House profile confirms the director had chosen to voluntarily strike off the company on October 7, meaning the company had begun to cease trading as they were still actively promoting products.

The HOS Home Instagram account still sits at a mighty 138.4k followers, but their website has now been removed and replaced with a closure notice, and their Trustpilot is being flooded by emotional reviews from disappointed customers.

It’s currently not known why the HOS Home (previously House of Sparkles) chose to cease trading, or whether it will re-emerge in future rebranded as it has before. But for now, it looks as though customers will have to look elsewhere.

In light of this, we’ve got a bit of advice. We hear the horror stories from our customers on a daily basis. Please be careful when ordering from companies you see on eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Instagram. You really never know what can happen, or what you’ll get if/when it arrives. Whenever possible try to speak to a real person, or visit a real local shop.

We always encourage our customers to visit our showroom to see everything in person before they buy, because we get how important it is for our customers to have peace of mind, especially with as big an investment as luxury furniture. We’re here to help Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. In our Newcastle store, on the phone, via email or messenger.

Our hearts go out totally to their customers and staff. We know there are people out there who’ve spent £1000s on items it’s still not clear they’ll ever get. We understand the devastation something like this can cause, lots of these orders were for loved ones presents or even dedicated to late family members. The loss is unbelievable.

If you or someone else has been affected, just know that we’ll do our absolute best to pick up where they shockingly left off.

We stock a huge range of similar items, some even from the same suppliers, and you have our promise that we’ll always do right by you. We’re a real shop on a real high street who really care. We’ve been here almost 20 years now and we’re not going anywhere.

Take care and all the best,
The Home Store Living Team