Amber Renae has turned the HomeGoods closing announcement into a viral hit. She wanted to make people feel good, so she changed the usually boring “store is closing” message into something surprising and exciting that people now look forward to.
She told People, “This country can be so divided sometimes. I want to bring people together. I want to give them a different experience while shopping. Maybe when they go home, something I said to them will stick or make them be kind to the next person.”
It all began when the 38-year-old actress unexpectedly became a stay-at-home mom after a big family relocation from Texas to Pennsylvania in August 2025 forced her to leave her cherished job as a theater teacher.
As she dealt with homesickness, she felt a strong need for an independent outlet to keep her engaged, even while juggling theater auditions and creating self-tapes for her agents and commercials.
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Considering where she would genuinely enjoy spending her time, particularly as the holiday season approached, Renae concluded that HomeGoods was the perfect fit.
Having moved several times over the last few years, Renae admits that what truly keeps her going amidst the constant upheaval is the steady, unwavering hope she holds for her dreams.
“It drives me to take everything as an opportunity,” she said. “Life is short, and you shouldn’t waste any day or any situation. You never know when something could change your life for the better.”
Renae’s unique perspective transformed the usual “boring and bland” closing announcements. Her personalized and charming greetings—including a “Jingle Bells” version—have become popular online, with one announcement reaching over 500,000 views.
“No matter what job I’ve ever had, in between shows or contracts, I always perform. Teaching middle or high school theatre? Perform for my students,” she remarked. “Property manager for student housing? Perform for my staff. Working as a cashier at HomeGoods? You better believe I’m gonna find a way to perform.”
Starting her new job as the official person for in-store announcements, the talented actress and singer saw a chance to mix her favorite things. She consciously used her experience in voiceovers and acting to change the usually boring, everyday scripts into short, fun, little shows. This creative method immediately grabbed the attention of the store’s regular shoppers and, even more importantly, earned the laughter of her co-workers.
Renae typically pre-records the announcements on weekend evening shifts, as there are multiple throughout the night: 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 5 minutes before closing, plus the final “we’re closed” announcement.
“I usually do the special singing one once we reach the very last announcement,” she explained. “The customers that are there by that last one have always loved it, just like social media does. They cheer and leave with huge smiles on their faces.”
Renae’s nightly closing announcements have become a shared highlight for her co-workers, who now look forward to them. She even seeks their suggestions for holiday remixes, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity through their feedback.
“Some would say ‘it’s just a small-time job,’ but I think you should have pride in every single thing you do,” Renae noted. “That’s my style.”
Renae sees her intercom announcements as a small way to spread love and light, noting that bringing joy is central to her approach to life.
Despite being a “tired all the time” mother of two, she remains mindful that customers face their own, often invisible, challenges. She hopes her positive energy can always offer some encouragement.
