During a difficult time for retail, one store is reopening over 200 stores after seeing closures last year.
Brick-and-mortar stores have seen significant closures in the last few years. Macy’s announced in January it will close 150 underperforming stores across the country, while Joann is shuttering all of its stores after filing for bankruptcy. Kohl's also announced the closure of 27 stores throughout the US.
Big Lots seemed to be on a similar path after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024. A recent acquisition, however, has allowed the discount store to reopen multiple locations across several states. Meanwhile, major changes are coming to over 4,000 Wells Fargo locations nationwide.
Variety Wholesalers has taken over 219 Big Lots stores and two distribution centers from previous owners Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. After renovating the locations, the first phase of reopenings launched April 10.
So far, nine stores have reopened. Those locations are:
- 1342 Indian Mound Dr., Mount Sterling, Kentucky
- 755 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, Louisiana
- 2605 W Main St, Tupelo, Mississippi
- 5778 Hwy 80 E, Pearl, Mississippi
- 1432 E Dixie Dr., Asheboro, North Carolina
- 1041 S Riverside Dr., Clarksville, Tennessee
- 744 Nashville Pike, Gallatin,. Tennessee
- 220 Dickson Plaza Dr., Dickson, Tennessee
- 2911 Hershberger Rd NW, Roanoke, Virginia
Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, in a news release: "We're thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family.
"We're opening stores quickly so we can serve the community. We know the stores won't be perfect to start, but each week we'll add more new products as we build toward the grand opening celebration in the fall. Every time a customer visits Big Lots! we want them to find something new and exciting!"
Including the recent reopenings, other stores that will see new life include ones in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, as well as other states.
After filing last year, Nexus Capital Management LP was set to purchase most of the company's assets. Big Lots later announced that it no longer expects to finalize the sale with Nexus but is still aiming to complete an alternative deal with them or another buyer.
As of the end of 2023, Big Lots ran close to 1,400 stores across 48 states. A more recent store count wasn't immediately available.
Big Lot offers a wide range of products, including furniture, home decor, and pantry items - with a focus on delivering extreme value to customers through closeouts, liquidations, overstocks, private labels, and value-engineered products.
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