Big Lots Reopens 132 Stores in 14 States
- Big Lots is set to revive operations at 132 locations across 14 states starting in May, marking a meaningful comeback after the retailer's bankruptcy declaration in 2024.
- The first wave will see 54 stores opening their doors on May 1, followed by an additional 78 stores on May 15.
- In a press release, Lisa Seigies stated, "We are excited to bring back 132 Big Lots locations...The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive.I could not be more proud...
Big Lots to Reopen 132 Stores Across 14 States After Bankruptcy
Table of Contents
- Big Lots to Reopen 132 Stores Across 14 States After Bankruptcy
- Big Lots Reopening: Your Questions Answered
- What’s Happening with Big Lots?
- When Are the Big Lots Stores Reopening?
- Where Will the Big Lots Stores Reopen?
- What Products Will Big Lots Offer?
- Why Did Big Lots File for Bankruptcy?
- What is the Recovery Plan for Big Lots?
- Will the Reopened Stores Be in the Same Locations?
- When Will All Acquired Big Lots Locations Be Open?
Big Lots is set to revive operations at 132 locations across 14 states starting in May, marking a meaningful comeback after the retailer’s bankruptcy declaration in 2024. Variety Wholesale, the new owner of the retail chain, is spearheading the reopening effort.
Reopening Schedule
The reopening will occur in two phases. The first wave will see 54 stores opening their doors on May 1, followed by an additional 78 stores on May 15.
In a press release, Lisa Seigies stated, “We are excited to bring back 132 Big Lots locations…The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive.I could not be more proud of the dedicated team…”
Geographic Distribution
North Carolina will see the largest number of reopened stores, with 27 locations. Ohio follows with 14 stores, while Pennsylvania will have 13, and Georgia will gain 11.
Customers in cities such as Mobile, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Augusta, Ga.; Flint, Mich.; Greensboro, N.C.; Toledo, Ohio; Erie, Pa.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Knoxville, tenn.; and Martinsburg, W.Va., can anticipate the return of their local stores. The reopenings span across Alabama,Florida,Indiana,Kentucky,Michigan,Mississippi,North Carolina,ohio,Pennsylvania,South Carolina,Tennessee,Virginia,and West Virginia.
Background and Acquisition
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last September, Big Lots received a second chance when Variety Wholesale acquired 219 of its locations.The sale was finalized in January.
Recovery Plan
These May reopenings represent phases two and three of a four-phase recovery plan. The final phase is scheduled to begin in June 2025, with 78 more stores reopening to complete the revitalization of the 219 stores acquired by Variety Wholesale.
State-by-State Breakdown
The store reopenings are distributed as follows: Alabama (7),Florida (5),Georgia (11),Indiana (1),Kentucky (9),Michigan (5),Mississippi (1),North Carolina (27),Ohio (14),Pennsylvania (13),South Carolina (8),Tennessee (10),virginia (10),and West Virginia (8).
Product Offerings
Customers can expect to find a range of family products, including clothing, essential kitchen items, home decor, and edible decorations. This selection aligns with the offerings of Variety’s other retail brands, such as Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, and Maxway. Variety operates more than 400 stores in 18 states, encompassing Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, Maxway, and now Big Lots.
Future Outlook
Each store will reopen in its previous location.By the summer of 2025, all 219 acquired locations are expected to be operational.
Big Lots Reopening: Your Questions Answered
What’s Happening with Big Lots?
Big Lots is reopening 132 stores across 14 states in May 2024. This marks a important step in the retailer’s recovery following its bankruptcy filing in 2024. Variety Wholesale,the new owner,is leading the effort.
When Are the Big Lots Stores Reopening?
The reopening is happening in two phases:
- Phase 1: 54 stores reopened on May 1st.
- Phase 2: 78 more stores will reopen on May 15th.
Where Will the Big Lots Stores Reopen?
The reopenings span across 14 states. The largest number of stores will reopen in North Carolina. Customers will find their local stores open again in cities such as Mobile, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Augusta, Ga.; Flint, Mich.; Greensboro, N.C.; Toledo, Ohio; Erie, Pa.; Spartanburg, S.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and martinsburg,W.Va.
Geographic Distribution of Reopened Stores
Here’s a breakdown of the stores reopening by state:
| State | Number of Reopened Stores |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 7 |
| Florida | 5 |
| Georgia | 11 |
| Indiana | 1 |
| Kentucky | 9 |
| Michigan | 5 |
| Mississippi | 1 |
| North Carolina | 27 |
| Ohio | 14 |
| Pennsylvania | 13 |
| South carolina | 8 |
| Tennessee | 10 |
| Virginia | 10 |
| West Virginia | 8 |
What Products Will Big Lots Offer?
Customers can expect to find a range of family products, including clothing, essential kitchen items, home decor, and edible decorations. This selection aligns with what is offered in Variety wholesale’s other brands.
Why Did Big Lots File for Bankruptcy?
Big Lots declared bankruptcy in September 2024. Variety Wholesale acquired 219 locations after the bankruptcy filing.
What is the Recovery Plan for Big Lots?
The May reopenings are part of a four-phase recovery plan.The final phase, scheduled to begin in June 2025, will see an additional 78 stores reopen. The goal is to revitalize the 219 locations acquired by Variety Wholesale.
Will the Reopened Stores Be in the Same Locations?
Yes, each store will reopen in its previous location.
When Will All Acquired Big Lots Locations Be Open?
All 219 acquired locations are expected to be operational by the summer of 2025.