Big Lots Reopens More Than 70 Stores Thursday After Previously Closing for Good
A popular retail store continued its comeback on Thursday with the reopening of 78 locations throughout nine states.
In September 2024, Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it would be closing all 800 of its locations by the end of the year. However, in December, Variety Wholesalers agreed to purchase 219 Big Lots outposts in a liquidation sale with the intention of reopening them.
"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,” Variety Wholesalers president and CEO Lisa Seigies said in a statement back in April.
“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 towards the grand opening celebration in the fall. Every time a customer visits Big Lots! we want them to find something new and exciting!”
Variety Wholesalers has been bringing back Big Lots locations incrementally. On Thursday, 78 Big Lots stores reopened in nine states.
The stores are in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to USA TODAY, which also has a full breakdown of the list.
With today's openings, all 219 Big Lots acquired by Variety Wholesalers have officially been rebooted. The company also bought two distribution centers.
According to Fox Business, Variety Wholesalers is planning to hold a "grand opening celebration" in the fall featuring "exciting new deals" at all 219 stores.
At least two other retailers--Ocean State Job Lot and Ollie's Bargain Outlet--have also announced plans to purchase Big Lots locations.