If you’ve googled “Is Kelly Moore Bags going out of business?” lately, you’re not alone. Many people are seeing headlines about a “Kelly-Moore shutdown” and worrying that their favorite camera bag brand is packing up shop. The truth is a bit simpler—and more encouraging. There are actually two businesses with similar names, and only one is closing its doors. Let’s separate the buckets from the bags and make sure you know which company is which, plus exactly what’s happening with both.
Understanding the Two Different Companies: Paint vs. Bags
It’s easy to see how the confusion started. Both companies bear the “Kelly Moore” name, but their products and locations couldn’t be more different.
First, there’s Kelly-Moore Paints. Founded decades ago, this company became a major paint retailer and manufacturer. With a strong presence in the western United States, they supplied paint for homes, contractors, and local stores. Hundreds of retail outlets carried its buckets and color charts from California to Texas.
Then there’s Kelly Moore Bag—also called Kelly Moore, LLC. This smaller, Ruston, Louisiana-based company specializes in stylish, functional bags. Designed with photographers in mind, their signature products blend everyday fashion with clever storage for cameras and laptops. If you’re the type who likes a messenger bag that fits both your DSLR and your lunch, this is your company.
Customers sometimes trip over the shared name, but after this explainer, you’ll never get them mixed up again.
Current Status of Kelly-Moore Paints: Shutting Down for Good
Let’s start with the newsmaker: Kelly-Moore Paints. Here’s what’s really happening, according to nearly every major news outlet and business report covered in 2024.
In January 2024, Kelly-Moore Paints announced it would shut down all business operations permanently. Across California, Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma, and several other states, over 150 retail stores and multiple manufacturing sites shuttered their doors—often literally overnight.
Why such a quick exit? The answer boils down to legal and financial storms that have brewed for years.
– The company faced approximately $600 million paid out already in asbestos-related lawsuit settlements.
– Industry sources estimate another $170 million in liabilities hanging over its head due to ongoing and future legal claims.
– Owed taxes and a shrinking margin didn’t help matters.
– Reports confirmed that more than 700 to 1,000 employees were suddenly left without jobs.
Former staff describe this as a permanent wind-down, not a temporary closure or a shift to online sales. The company is only fulfilling orders that were already accepted as of the shutdown date, from a single distribution center in Union City.
If you relied on Kelly-Moore Paints for home improvement or contracting, you’ll now need to source your paint elsewhere. Customer complaints and lost orders filled forums and social media briefly after the closure, adding salt to the wound for loyal buyers and staff.
Current Status of Kelly Moore Bag: Still Open for Business
Now let’s answer your most pressing question: is Kelly Moore Bag going out of business? The quick answer is no—the bag company is still open and serving customers.
Here’s how you can confirm that for yourself:
– Jump on their official Instagram account or Facebook page. You’ll find frequent posts about new collections, flash sales, and “items we have in stock.” This doesn’t look like the behavior of a company shutting down.
– Their website (kellymoorebag.com) is fully functional, letting you shop, check inventory, or read their latest blog post.
– LinkedIn lists Kelly Moore, LLC as an active, privately-owned business, founded in 2008.
– Recent reviews and blog comments sometimes mention specific bag models being discontinued or difficult to find. That’s normal—product lines get updated, but the company continues making fresh designs and fulfilling orders.
The only stories discussing anything “going out of business” are tied to the paint company. If you’re after a new camera bag, tote, or crossbody from Kelly Moore Bag, you’re in good hands. Expect your order to be processed as usual, with support available if you need it.
Discontinued Products vs. Going Out of Business: Know the Difference
Pause for a second: maybe you stumbled on a social media comment that “the Bordeaux is discontinued!” or “Can’t find the Kate bag anymore!” Before you panic, check if the brand is gone or just a specific model.
Nearly every bag and apparel company cycles through collections. Maybe they drop a colorway, retire a best-seller, or move toward eco-friendly materials. For Kelly Moore Bag, discontinued bags are part of the mix—but new products pop up often to replace or improve on favorites. That’s business as usual, not a sign of shutting down.
If you want a model that seems absent from the website, try resellers or secondhand sources. And keep an eye on Kelly Moore’s owned channels—they often announce restocks or new versions with plenty of fanfare.
Implications for You: What Customers Should Do
Now that you know which Kelly Moore company is closed (paint) and which is still open (bags), here’s what to do next:
If you need paint: Kelly-Moore Paints is fully out of business. If you have any open orders, check your email for an update from their last-remaining Union City office. Otherwise, research local paint suppliers or consider major brands like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, or Benjamin Moore for your next renovation.
If you’re eyeing a bag or accessory: Go ahead and shop at Kelly Moore Bag. The business is clearly active, taking orders, and posting on social media. Yes, some older product lines are missing, but that’s just smart inventory management. If you see a must-have, don’t wait—favorites sometimes sell out, but new designs often follow.
For business operators: Use this as a case study. Make sure your own customers can easily track your business status, especially during transitions. Keep your website, Google business listing, and social pages all up to date. When companies with similar names hit headlines for different reasons, clarity in communication saves you emails and headaches.
If you want more insights about how companies handle tough transitions or even closure, check out industry resources like Inflect Business, which tracks shutdowns and business pivots across multiple sectors.
Recap: Which “Kelly Moore” Is Shutting Down?
Here’s the bottom line. If you’re hearing “Kelly Moore is going out of business,” that story is about Kelly-Moore Paints. The paint supplier is gone for good, including all stores and offices. Customers—and, sadly, hundreds of staff—must move on to new opportunities and suppliers.
Kelly Moore Bag, the Ruston-based creator of professional camera and lifestyle bags, remains alive and well. Their site is up, their Instagram feed is buzzing, and customers are tracking new releases monthly. As a consumer or small business owner, you can confidently order bags and accessories, knowing they’re shipping and available for support if needed.
Remember this distinction the next time you debate a purchase. With two “Kelly Moore” brands out there, make sure your dollars—and your trust—go to the right company.
Frequently Asked Questions: Spotting Company Status and Credible News
- How do I know if a company is really going out of business?
Always check for an official statement on the company’s main website and social media. Also, search for articles in the business press or trade sites. Don’t rely just on rumors in online forums or a single Facebook post. - How can I tell which company the news is about?
Look for a product or location reference. Paints, stores in California or Texas, and asbestos lawsuits mean Kelly-Moore Paints. Bags, camera gear, or Ruston, Louisiana references point to Kelly Moore Bag. - Why do some Kelly Moore bags seem to vanish?
Models get discontinued over time—just like cars or sneakers. Check archived sales pages or secondhand marketplaces for rare finds. - Who should I contact if I’m unsure?
Start with the company’s help desk or customer support. If they reply promptly and still offer sales, you’re likely dealing with an active business. - Any hacks for keeping tabs on a favorite company’s health?
Bookmark their website’s “About” or “News” sections. Sign up for their email updates. A sudden lack of inventory, multiple error messages, or months of silence on social media can signal trouble—but a steady flow of posts and product launches means business as usual.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Shop Confidently
Here’s your takeaway. When you see a viral headline, dig a little deeper. Two Kelly Moore companies exist, but only the paint company has closed its books for good. The bag company is still hustling—and taking orders. Next time you shop, make sure you’re clicking and trusting the right brand, and never hesitate to reach out or verify before making a purchase.
Making smart buying (or business) choices often starts with just a little extra research. By staying informed, you’ll dodge disappointment—and keep your shelves or your camera bag fully stocked.
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