Columbia House Announces Closure After Seven Decades

Columbia House, a pioneer in subscription-based media delivery founded in 1955, is shutting down its operations. The company announced on its website that it would stop accepting new orders after September 15, 2026, though it stated that existing memberships and outstanding purchases would be honored during the wind-down process.

Originally established as the Columbia Record Club, the company reached a membership peak of 16 million and approximately $1.4 billion in sales by 1996. At its height in 1994, the club accounted for 15% of all U.S. CD sales. However, the rise of digital file-sharing and streaming services like iTunes led to a steady decline and difficulties in securing competitive licensing agreements.

The company ceased Canadian operations and music sales in 2010 and filed for bankruptcy in 2015. Following its acquisition by Edge Line Ventures, the brand continued to operate as a limited retailer focusing on DVDs and books. On Tuesday, August 19, 2026, the company removed the closure notice from its website. While a customer service representative later confirmed the closure to CNN, the company has not responded to further inquiries regarding its future.