First wave of Big Lots stores set to open under new owners — here’s where
Big Lots is making its return to the retail arena after the closeout retailer declared bankruptcy and subsequently closed all its stores.
Variety Wholesalers announced the first wave of openings for its newly acquired Big Lots locations, starting on April 10 with nine stores across six states. (Locations listed at end of article.)
Earlier this year, Big Lots closed a previously announced sale agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. As part of the deal, Variety, which operates more than 400 discount stores in 18 states, was set to acquire more than 200 Big Lots stores. The agreement came as the bankrupt chain was holding store closing sales at its approximate 950 locations nationwide in the wake of the collapse of its deal to be acquired by Nexus Capital Management.
Variety will reopen the remaining acquired Big Lots locations in subsequent phases, with approximately 55 stores in the second wave opening on May 1. The remaining stores will open through early June, leading up to a grand opening celebration that will take place across all stores this fall.
Variety’s acquisition of Big Lots! stores marks a significant expansion for the company, further solidifying its position as a leading discount retailer, the company said. Variety’s portfolio includes the Roses, Roses Express and Maxway banners.
"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,” said Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers. “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.”
In addition to the initial nine locations listed below, Variety plans to reopen Big Lots stores in North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia, among other states.
Here are the Big Lots stores opening in April:
- Mount Sterling, Ky.;
- Metairie, La.;
- Tupelo, Miss.;
- Pearl, Miss.;
- Asheboro, N.C.;
- Dickson, Tenn.;
- Gallatin, Tenn.;
- Clarksville, Tenn.; and
- Roanoke, Va.
