Things Remembered Selling Business To Enesco

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, OH — After exploring the possibility of layoffs, Things Remembered announced Wednesday it would sell its business to Enesco. However, Things Remembered still intends to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, to facilitate the sale.

In late January, Things Remembered filed notice with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, notifying the state of possible layoffs at the business. At that time, the company said up to 126 employees could be laid off. However, Things Remembered said in its letter to ODJFS that it was hoping to sell the company and preserve jobs.

On Wednesday, Things Remembered said, through a communications firm, that it is not yet "in a position" to disclose how many jobs will be saved by the sale, or how many employees will still be laid off. The company specifically said positions at stores, home office, fulfillment center, and e-commerce operations would be preserved.

The company also added that it would ask for bankruptcy court approval for a severance and outplacement program to help laid off employees. Things Remembered is also seeking incentives for store employees.

"Our path forward would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all of our employees. We have navigated an extremely difficult operating environment over the past few years and we truly appreciate their efforts," said Nelson Tejada, president and CEO of Things Remembered.

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Enseco, an Illinois-based giftware company, intends to operate Things Remembered's online, direct mail, and B2B retail business, along with a portfolio of current stores, under the Things Remembered brand.

"The sale to Enesco offers a compelling path forward for Things Remembered, its customers, employees, creditors, vendors, and other stakeholders," said Tejada. "We will now build on our legacy as the leading omnichannel retailer focused on personalized gift merchandise. Among other growth initiatives, we plan to reinvest in our marketing and personalization technology, and to reinvent our in‑store experience."

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