Many physical retailers are looking to stretch the legs of their e-commerce divisions to maintain sales in the era of COVID-19 and the "retail apocalypse." But internet furniture and home merchandise seller Overstock.com (OSTK 0.21%) is taking the opposite approach, and is pursuing growth in "meatspace" after years of a cyberspace-only model.
According to statements by company retail president Dave Nielsen to Adweek, Overstock is so eager to get a brick-and-mortar presence in 2021 it might sell itself to a retailer with a significant lineup of physical store locations. Nielsen said Overstock leadership would prefer being acquired over starting its own stores, though it's also considering a partnership or merger.
Image source: Getty Images.
According to its most recent quarterly report for the fiscal second quarter, Overstock's sales weren't significantly dented by the summer reopening of physical furniture stores. Its margins rose from 10.2% to 13.6%, sending its profits higher, too.
Nielsen says Overstock believes a strong presence in both digital and brick-and-mortar retail, rather than specializing in one sales channel, will be the best post-coronavirus strategy. Overstock openly says it wants to be bought by or partner with TJ Maxx, subsidiary of The TJX Companies (TJX 0.60%), a department store offering furniture sales among other categories.
TJX Companies' sales were sent into a tailspin by pandemic closures and lockdowns, but the company has seen a strong rebound since, with comparable-store sales only 3% below 2019's figure during the most recently reported quarter. The company also began paying its dividend again recently with a 13% boost, indicating it may well have the resources to acquire or partner with Overstock if it becomes persuaded such a partnership or buyout is in its best interests.
