If you’ve built a business around Thirty-One Gifts or loved their monogrammed bags, you need the straight facts now. The company has announced it is closing after 21 years in business. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening, what led here, and your best next steps if you’re affected.
Introduction: What Was Thirty-One Gifts?
Thirty-One Gifts built its reputation as a direct-selling company known for personalizable bags, totes, and home organizers. It launched in 2003 under Cindy Monroe’s leadership. Over the years, it grew rapidly by empowering women to run micro-businesses as “consultants”—selling mainly through parties, Facebook groups, and word of mouth.
So, is Thirty-One going out of business? Yes. By December 2024, Thirty-One Gifts will close, ending customer orders, consultant businesses, and all company operations.
The Closure: Key Details and Timeline
Founder Cindy Monroe personally announced the decision in May 2024. In several video updates, she explained that after months of review, there was no financially sound way forward for the company.
Here’s how the closure shakes out:
– Official closure date announced: December 2024
– Last day of official customer purchases: December 15, 2024
– Websites and online operations shut down: December 16, 2024
– Final company-wide wind-down: By December 31, 2024
No hidden relaunch or “pause” is planned. Once the inventory is sold off, Thirty-One ends.
Why Is Thirty-One Gifts Closing?
If you’re curious about the “why,” it comes down to several overlapping pressures. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown, using details from founder statements and public reports:
– Declining sales: Like many direct sales brands, revenue dropped sharply during COVID-19. Instead of rebounding, numbers kept sliding afterward.
– Changing customer habits: More buyers moved online and away from party-based selling. Fewer people wanted to host events or join multi-level selling as side gigs.
– Rising costs: Product manufacturing, shipping, and logistics have all become more expensive since 2021. This makes margins thinner.
– Private equity ownership and debt: Thirty-One Gifts was acquired by investment firm Kanbrick. Reports indicate the company took on significant debt, which weighed down profits.
– Bankruptcy filing: In early 2024, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio. This is often a last step before closure, as it addresses debts with creditors.
Monroe has said, “After facing years of financial struggle, I did not feel equipped to lead another turnaround.” She described the closure as both sad and necessary.
Key Dates: Mark Your Calendar
If you or someone you know wants to buy, sell, or just have closure, keep these important dates front and center:
– Last day to place an order: December 15, 2024
– Website shutdown: December 16, 2024 (No new orders or consultant dashboard access)
– End of all operations: December 31, 2024
Tip: Set reminders—the big clearance sales will likely happen in November and early December, but inventory could run out sooner.
What Happens to Customers and Consultants?
Let’s map the direct effects on both customer and consultant communities.
For customers:
– You have until about December 15 to place any final orders or redeem gift cards.
– Most consultants are running closing sales. Watch for “blowout” or “liquidation” events as inventory clears.
– Need to ask about warranties, returns, or troubleshooting? Do it before the site goes offline on December 16.
For consultants:
– Your Thirty-One business officially ends mid-December. That means party planning, social selling, and online inventory management all stop.
– Plan your last selling push early. Many consultants are using this period to clear their own stock, say goodbye to loyal customers, and consider pivoting to new ventures.
– Save your sales records and receipts. You’ll want these for tax time (and in case any customers have post-shutdown questions).
Question prompt: Are you ready for what’s next? Make a simple checklist—contacts you want to take with you, platforms to shut down, and a rough financial summary for your accountant.
How Is the Community Responding?
A few things stand out in the media and among Thirty-One’s tight-knit community.
National news sources—like USA Today—quoted Monroe’s message that “we will close Thirty-One at the end of this year.” Business sites including Direct Selling News echoed that the company “will end operations.” This story made headlines in local radio and online retail coverage as well.
Consultants are sharing video updates on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. If you follow local sellers, you’ll see real-time reactions, from gratitude posts to “what’s next?” brainstorms. Reddit’s r/MLM forum has lively threads discussing the impact and offering tips for consultants caught in transition.
The mood? There’s surprise, sadness, but also a sense of relief. Many agree it’s smarter to close cleanly than to limp along or spring fake-hope relaunches.
Step-by-Step: Preparing for Closure as a Consultant
To keep your transition smooth, take action with this tight checklist.
Communicate with your customers. Send clear emails or texts letting them know when final orders are due.
Review your inventory. Decide whether to hold a local closeout sale, bundle products, or offer last-chance specials.
Secure your records. Download sales data, receipts, and important docs from the consultant portal before December 15.
Reach out to your network. If you want to continue in direct-sales, ask about other reputable brands. If not, thank your loyal customers and refer them elsewhere.
Plan for taxes. Track any closeout income and expenses for year-end filing.
Update social media. Schedule posts about the closure, express appreciation, and announce your future plans if you know them.
Building a simple action plan now gives you more options later.
If You’re a Customer: Last-Minute Actions
As a customer, here’s a simple roadmap for the transition:
– Order quickly. If you have favorites or need a replacement, don’t wait—inventory may run out early.
– Check policies. Confirm the status of open returns, warranties, or exchanges before customer service disappears.
– Stay in contact. Get your consultant’s non-company contact info in case you want recommendations after closure.
– Watch for prices. Liquidation deals could be your best chance to stock up, especially on exclusive patterns or organizers.
A few final sales might move fast, so make decisions soon.
9. Lessons for Entrepreneurs: What Can You Learn?
Every closure gives useful lessons, especially if you’re growing your own business:
– Track your revenue, costs, and margins each quarter. Quick fixes, like debt or temporary sales bursts, rarely solve deeper trends.
– Adapt when customer habits shift. If shopping moves online or to new platforms, meet your market where it is.
– Stay lean when costs rise. Compare suppliers, negotiate rates, and always know your “break-even” point.
– Diversify income streams. Relying on one business model (like in-person parties) can leave you vulnerable if trends change.
– Communicate directly and honestly with your community. Monroe’s open messages made the transition smoother for everyone.
If you want examples on streamlining operations or planning pivots, check out business resources such as In Business Point for step-by-step guides.
10. Conclusion: Thirty-One Gifts’ Legacy and Your Next Move
So, is Thirty-One going out of business? Yes, the closure is happening, with the last sales and online presence wrapping up in December 2024. There’s nothing vague or undecided about it—this is a full wind-down, not a rebrand or overhaul.
In its 21 years, Thirty-One Gifts helped thousands launch micro-businesses, build relationships, and learn what’s possible with the right product and team. Now, as the company closes its doors, customers and consultants have a few months to finish orders, say goodbye, and plan their next moves.
If you’re making big decisions—whether you’re a consultant, aspiring entrepreneur, or just following the story—ask yourself, “What’s my best option next quarter?” List your resources, check your costs, and seek conversations with people who’ve made similar pivots.
When you’re ready for your next chapter, take action fast. The window for both buying and wrapping up a Thirty-One business closes mid-December. You have the facts and a simple plan—now, use them to move forward with confidence.
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