Big Lots continues its return of stores under its new owners.
The discount chain will reopen 132 stores in 14 states in May. The first round will take place on May 1 and the second on May 15. North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania lead the list with the most reopenings. (Locations are listed at the end of the article.)
The openings, which will be under the direction of the new owners Variety Wholesales, are based on the positive response from customers to the initial reopenings of Big Lots stores in April, the company said.
Stores are reopening in a variety of markets, from major metropolitan areas to smaller towns, and are featuring clearance items, treasure hunts, and “unbeatable deals,” the company said.
“Customer response to the new and expanded assortment of fresh products and great deals has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers. “The opening of Big Lots stores in May demonstrates our continued commitment to offering our customers the best value on family-friendly clothing, household, kitchen, and pantry staples, and a wide selection of name-brand items.” Variety operates more than 400 stores in 18 states. In addition to Big Lots, its retail brands include Roses Discount, Big Lots Stores, Maxway, and Roses Express.
The agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners
Earlier this year, Big Lots closed a previously announced sales deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners as part of the deal, Variety was poised to acquire about 200 Big Lots stores. The deal came as the bankrupt chain was liquidating. Due to the closure of its approximately 950 locations around the country.
Here’s a list of Big Lots locations reopening in May:
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
W.V:Beckley, Bridgeport, Charleston, Elkins, Fairmont, Martinsburg, Oak Hill, Princeton
Big Lots was founded in 1967 by Sol Shenk as Consolidated Stores Corporation, and in 1982 launched the Odd Lots/Big Lots chain. This chain offered clearance and discount merchandise, and expanded nationally under the Big Lots name in 2001.
Big Lots History Summary:
- 1967: Sol Shenk creates Consolidated Stores Corporation.
- 1982: The Odd Lots/Big Lots chain, focused on clearance products, is launched.
- 2001: The brands are merging into one: Big Lots, consolidating their national presence.
- Recent years: Big Lots has faced financial difficulties and has announced store closures.
- 2024: Big Lots files for bankruptcy.
Big Lots sells consumables, electronics/accessories, furniture, hard, seasonal, and soft household goods, as well as a range of packaged foods including beverages, snacks, and kitchen staples.
