The 175-year-old catalog-based retailer Hammacher Schlemmer, known for its unexpected and unique merchandise, has initiated going-out-of-business sales, so anyone in the market for a remote-controlled bald eagle or a personal oxygen bar better get online fast.
The company, which was acquired by Southern California investment firm S5 Equity in 2024, has enlisted the help of Gordon Brothers to liquidate its merchandise, with discounts ranging from 20% off to 70% off all clearance items. These offers are particularly timely for last-minute Halloween shoppers, with all spooky season décor currently marked down 50%.
“Hammacher Schlemmer was a pioneer in the retail industry known for its innovative products,” said Durien Sanchez, Managing Director for Retail at Gordon Brothers in a statement. “The closing sales give customers an opportunity to take advantage of gift and holiday items, electronics and audio, and all home and personal care products, now at exceptional prices.”
Even as it Sells off Inventory, Hammacher Schlemmer Hints at Return
Launched in 1848 as a hardware store in New York City, the company quickly became known for stocking hard-to-find tools and eventually expanded on its expertise to offer other items for the home. While many have poked fun at the brand over the years for its quirky assortment, as the company points out on its website, many of the unusual products it has carried have moved from novelty to household staple with time, including the pop-up toaster, the microwave oven and the telephone answering machine. The company began producing its now-famous catalog in 1881.
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In August 2024 Hammacher Schlemmer was acquired by S5 equity, which also acquired fellow catalog and online retailer Heartland America in March 2025, presenting the two brands as part of a “growing ecommerce portfolio.”
“While some may be running for the exit in retail right now, I think we’re running in the front door,” said David Steinhafel, Founder of S5 Equity in a statement at the time of the Heartland acquisition. “The direct-to-consumer model, especially when paired with a catalog offering, resonates with loyal customers who value convenience and quality. We’re committed to building on these strengths and exceeding customer expectations.”
Signs of trouble were first apparent in April, when the Chicago Tribune reported layoffs at the company and vendor complaints about not being paid. But while a going-out-of-business sale typically indicates that a company is, well, going out of business, that doesn’t appear to be the case given the final sentence of the Gordon Brothers’ sale announcement, which reads: “Look for the relaunch and exciting reimagination of the historic Hammacher Schlemmer brand in the near future.”
