Big Lots to Reopen 132 Stores Across 14 States Following Bankruptcy
The reopened stores, previously shuttered as part of the chain’s closure of approximately 1,000 locations, are located across 14 states, primarily in the southern United States, including Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The revival of these stores follows the successful reopening of nine locations earlier this month, with Variety Wholesalers reporting an “overwhelmingly positive” customer response to refreshed inventory and competitive pricing.
“We are thrilled to breathe new life into 132 additional Big Lots locations starting in May,” said Lisa Seigies, President and CEO of Variety Wholesalers. “Our expanded assortment of fresh inventory and unbeatable deals is resonating strongly with customers.”
Phased Reopening and Store Locations
The store reopenings will occur in two phases, on May 1 and May 15, 2025, and will span the following states and locations:
- Alabama: Athens, Decatur, Dothan, Guntersville, Jasper, Mobile, Northport
- Florida: Crystal River, Jacksonville, Marianna, Ormond Beach, Panama City
- Georgia: Augusta, Brunswick, Buford, Cornelia, Dallas, Fort Oglethorpe, Marietta, Smyrna, Valdosta, Vidalia, Waycross
- Indiana: Jasper
- Kentucky: Campbellsville, Danville, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Hazard, London, Middlesboro, Richmond, Somerset
- Michigan: Burton, Flint, Port Huron, Shelby Township, Southgate
- Mississippi: Southaven
- North Carolina: Belmont, Burlington, Clemmons, Dunn, Elizabeth City, Elkin, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Kinston, Lexington, Lincolnton, Mocksville, Mooresville, Mount Airy, Newton, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Selma, Shelby, Southport, Statesville, Wake Forest, Wilkesboro, Wilson
- Ohio: Alliance, Boardman, Bridgeport, Columbus, Elyria, Fremont, Grove City, Kettering, Lancaster, New Philadelphia, Reynoldsburg, Toledo, Warren, Wintersville
- Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Du Bois, Dunmore, East Stroudsburg, Erie, Eynon, Franklin, Lehighton, Lewisburg, Meadville, New Castle
- South Carolina: Easley, Greenwood, Lexington, Rock Hill, Seneca, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, West Columbia
- Tennessee: Alcoa, Cleveland, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Johnson City, Knoxville, Morristown, Murfreesboro, Rogersville, Sevierville
- Virginia: Chesapeake, Chester, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Martinsville, North Chesterfield, North Prince George, Waynesboro, Winchester, Yorktown
- West Virginia: Beckley, Bridgeport, Charleston, Elkins, Fairmont, Martinsburg, Oak Hill, Princeton
Challenges and Market Context
Big Lots, known for selling furniture, home decor, and seasonal goods, faced significant financial strain last year due to high inflation and rising interest rates. These economic pressures led consumers to cut back on discretionary purchases, particularly in the home and seasonal categories that form a core part of the retailer’s revenue stream.
Industry analysts have noted that Big Lots operates in a highly competitive market, facing challenges from other value-driven retailers that offer lower prices and more compelling bargains. “Big Lots must sharpen its value proposition to thrive in the post-bankruptcy landscape,” said Neil Saunders, Managing Director at GlobalData. “The competition is fierce, and other players are excelling at delivering affordability.”
A New Chapter for Big Lots
Variety Wholesalers, which operates over 400 stores under brands such as Roses Discount Stores, Rose’s Express, and Maxway, is spearheading the retailer’s turnaround. The company’s strategy includes revitalizing Big Lots’ inventory with a focus on affordability and variety to attract cost-conscious shoppers.
The reopening of these stores signals a renewed commitment to the Big Lots brand and its customer base. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the success of this initiative will depend on the company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and compete effectively in the discount retail sector.
For more information about Big Lots and its store reopenings, visit the company’s official website.