Big Lots Set to Revive 132 Store Locations in May
Discount retailer Big Lots is gearing up to reopen 132 of its stores across the United States in May 2025. This comes as part of the company’s strategy to restore its brand following a bankruptcy filing last September and its subsequent acquisition by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a Boston-based asset management firm.
After successfully negotiating a deal in December, Big Lots was able to prevent the permanent closure of a large number of its stores. Under the terms of this agreement, Variety Wholesalers, a discounter with a broad presence nationwide, acquired between 200 and 400 of the company’s retail outlets. Many of these outlets will continue to operate under the Big Lots name.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
The anticipated reopening in May follows a successful wave of closures earlier this month when Big Lots relaunched nine locations in states including Kentucky, Louisiana, and Virginia. Lisa Seigies, CEO of Variety Wholesalers, expressed optimism about the company’s direction, stating, “We are thrilled to breathe new life into an additional 132 Big Lots! locations in May. The feedback from customers has been incredibly positive regarding our expanding range of products and attractive prices.”
Big Lots specializes in providing essential items for homes, kitchens, and pantries, making it a go-to option for many budget-conscious consumers. The reopening of stores will occur in two phases throughout 14 different states, with the highest concentration of new locations in North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for a diverse customer base.
Store Reopening Details
According to recent data from market research firm CoreSight, the US witnessed a surge in retail closures throughout 2024. To better inform customers, below is a comprehensive list of the states and cities where the 132 Big Lots locations are planned to reopen in May:
| State | Cities |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Indiana | Jasper |
| Kentucky | Campbellsville, Danville, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Hazard, London, Middlesboro |
| Michigan | Burton, Flint, Port Huron, Shelby Township, Southgate |
| North Carolina | Belmont, Burlington, Clemmons, Dunn, Elizabeth City, Elkin, Fayetteville |
| Ohio | Alliance, Boardman, Bridgeport, Columbus, Elyria, Fremont, Grove City |
| Pennsylvania | Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Du Bois, Dunmore, East Stroudsburg, Erie |
| Tennessee | Alcoa, Cleveland, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Johnson City, Knoxville |
| Virginia | Chesapeake, Chester, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Martinsville |
For further details on store locations and offerings, customers are encouraged to visit Big Lots’ official website.
