Big Lots Reopens Stores
Big Lots is staging a major comeback, announcing the reopening of 132 stores across 14 states beginning this May. The move follows the company’s 2024 bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition of store locations by Variety Wholesalers, the parent company of brands such as Roses and Maxway.
The store reopenings will take place in two phases: 54 stores will open on May 1, followed by 78 more on May 15. This revival marks a key step in Big Lots’ restructuring plan as it shifts focus to high-demand products and a refreshed customer experience under its new leadership.
Where the Stores Are Reopening
The majority of the reopened stores are located in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. States seeing the largest number of reopenings include North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. A full list of states and selected cities includes:
- North Carolina – Stores will open in cities like Greensboro, Fayetteville, Shelby, and Statesville.
- Ohio – Locations in Columbus, Elyria, Lancaster, and Toledo are among those returning.
- Pennsylvania – Stores in Erie, Du Bois, and Bloomsburg are set to reopen.
- Georgia – Customers can expect returns in Augusta, Valdosta, and Marietta.
- Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia will also see a strong presence, along with additional locations in Michigan, Indiana, Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Florida.
New Store Experience
Under Variety Wholesalers, Big Lots plans to rebrand itself with a “treasure hunt” style retail format, emphasizing constantly changing inventory of national brands, home décor, clothing, and essentials at steep discounts. The company is also moving away from a heavy emphasis on large furniture pieces, which were previously a cornerstone of its stores.
“Customers should expect a more fun, dynamic shopping experience with incredible deals on well-known brands,” said a company spokesperson. “This is a new chapter for Big Lots.”
Uncertainty in Some Markets
Notably absent from the reopening list are stores in Texas, raising questions about the company’s future footprint in the Southwest. While Big Lots has not ruled out future reopenings there, current efforts are concentrated in regions where the brand has traditionally performed well.
As Big Lots reopens its doors this May, shoppers in dozens of communities will once again have access to the discount deals and household goods that made the brand a familiar name in American retail.
