DirectBuy closes doors without notice

DirectBuy of the Ozarks, 1265 E. Lark St., which boasted more than 1,000 local members, closed its doors unexpectedly on Nov. 26.

The company, which offers wholesale prices on home furnishing products to its members, is a franchised organization based out of Indiana with more than 100 independently owned and operated locations in the U.S.and Canada. 

DirectBuy Vice President of Member Experience Dylan Astle said the Springfield closure by franchisees Mark and Nancy Yost came as a shock.

“The franchise owner of DirectBuy of the Ozarks made the decision to close that location and unfortunately did not notify us at the corporate headquarters prior to the club’s closing,” Astle said via email.

He said members still have access to their benefits, including the ability to purchase merchandise through the company’s website and e-commerce portal – Members.DirectBuy.com. Members also can use DirectBuy’s home shopping service, which gives them access to specialists who can help find products.

The local closure is not a part of any corporate efforts to downsize, Astle said.  The company's St. Louis and Kansas City-area locations remain open.

“The timing of this club’s closing is completely coincidental to any other closing that may have taken place recently, and we are hard at work exploring new and existing markets where we can expand our club footprint,” Astle said.

He said company representatives have spoken with members since the store's closure and are working to sort out ordering details.

“They have been understanding of the situation and are already working with our home shopping team to shop and place orders for the projects they are undertaking,” Astle said.