Big Lots has certainly had its share of ups and downs, but through a series of bankruptcies and acquisition deals, the retailer was able to retain at least part of its U.S. footprint. Fans of the discount store will be happy to know that the new incarnation of Big Lots commences this week, and there are plenty of new offerings to look forward to.
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Big Lots is opening 219 remodeled stores this year—including 9 this week.
After an initial acquisition fell through in late 2024, Big Lots avoided going completely out of business through a last-ditch January deal with liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.
At the time, Big Lots had 901 stores throughout the country, but about 550 leases were put up for sale. These locations quickly began going out of business sales.
The 219 stores not on the chopping block were acquired by Variety Wholesalers, Inc., which said it would continue to operate them under the Big Lots name. (Variety owns other discount retailers, including Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, and Maxway.)
The Variety-owned stores will open in four waves, beginning April 10. Those set to open this week are:
- Mount Sterling, Kentucky: 1342 Indian Mound Drive
- Metairie, Louisiana: 755 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
- Pearl, Mississippi: 5778 Highway 80 East
- Tupelo, Mississippi: 2605 West Main Street
- Asheboro, North Carolina: 1432 East Dixie Drive
- Clarksville, Tennessee: 1041 S Riverside Drive
- Dickson, Tennessee: 220 Dickson Plaza Drive
- Gallatin, Tennessee: 744 Nashville Pike
- Roanoke, Virginia: 2911 Hershberger Road NW
Shoppers can expect 4 new offerings at Big Lots.
- A "treasure hunt" experience: This retail strategy is often employed at off-price stores as a way to keep shoppers coming back frequently in search of new and ever-changing merchandise.
- A new apparel department: Remodeled Big Lots stores will now feature clothing for the entire family.
- A new electronics department: They'll also sell electronics, though it's not entirely clear what that department will include.
- Closeout deals: Big Lots stores will now have a "large" section of closeout deals, that will presumably be steeply discounted.
