$279 without AppleCare is rather steep, considering the overall cost of the HomePod is $350. Then, you have to factor in they likely won't even repair the HomePod as it is, they likely would just issue a replacement device in my opinion. Even if the HomePod was a need of repair, they would not likely do so in store and have to send it out to a depot to be repaired.
Depending how you pay for the HomePod, if you use a credit card, they might cover the cost if it becomes damaged, of course you have to check with your credit card terms and conditions.