Nexstar Media Wire News

Additional Big Lots stores to reopen in May: Here’s where

(NEXSTAR) — The return of Big Lots began last week as nine stores — now under new ownership as part of the brand’s 2024 bankruptcy filing — opened across six states. Now, a second wave of Big Lots stores are preparing to reopen.

It’s all part of a deal Big Lots closed with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners earlier this year. The deal outlined that Variety Wholesalers would acquire hundreds of Big Lots stores, which would retain the original branding.

Nine of those stores reopened last week.

“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,” Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, said in a press release announcing the reopening store locations. She noted that while stores are opening quickly to serve their respective communities, “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,” she continued. “Every time a customer visits Big Lots! we want them to find something new and exciting!”


Now, dozens more former Big Lots stores are preparing to reopen in May.

There are two waves planned, according to a list Variety Wholesalers provided to Nexstar. The first are scheduled to open on May 1 while the second group will open on May 15.

The stores in the first wave span 12 states:

Alabama

Georgia

Indiana

Kentucky

Michigan

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

The second wave, opening two weeks after the first, includes stores in 13 states:

Alabama

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Michigan

Mississippi

North Carolina

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Virginia

West Virginia

Additional Big Lots stores are expected to open in June, according to Variety Wholesalers.

Other retailers, meanwhile, have taken over some former Big Lots storefronts. In March, discount retailer Ocean State Job Lot announced it was preparing to acquire 15 former Big Lots stores in Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. Ollie’s Bargain Market has also acquired more than three dozen Big Lots store leases.

It’s unclear when those new stores may open.

Nexstar Media Wire News