Big Lots! has been a well-known name in the American retail landscape for years, offering discount prices on everything from furniture and home goods to food and personal items. But in recent times, the brand’s future appeared uncertain, as it faced the same struggles that many brick-and-mortar stores have encountered in the digital age. However, against all odds, Big Lots! is making a comeback, with a substantial reopening plan that will see over 130 locations re-opening across the United States.
What seemed like the end of the road for the beloved discount retailer is now a new beginning. A major shift in ownership and an ambitious strategic plan have breathed new life into Big Lots! stores, with locations set to open in multiple states. The details behind the resurgence are as heartening as they are promising, as fans of the chain can look forward to seeing the brand back in action. But what exactly happened to bring Big Lots! back from the brink, and how is it going to work? In this article, we’ll explore the comeback story, the newly reopened locations, and what shoppers can expect from the rebranded Big Lots! stores.
The Rocky Road Leading to Big Lots’ Comeback
The journey to this point has not been an easy one for Big Lots!. The chain experienced significant closures in recent years, with hundreds of stores shutting their doors across the country. For a time, it seemed like Big Lots! might follow the fate of many other retail giants that struggled to keep up with the times and eventually fell into bankruptcy. With the rise of online shopping, the pressure on physical stores has only intensified, leading to financial struggles for many traditional retailers.
As the economy shifted and consumer preferences changed, Big Lots! found itself in a tight spot. Competition from e-commerce giants like Amazon, as well as discount rivals such as Walmart, further exacerbated the situation. With their brick-and-mortar locations emptying out and sales dwindling, the company was forced to make some tough decisions.
But, in an unexpected twist, hope arrived in the form of Variety Wholesalers, a company that has managed to successfully reopen and revitalize Big Lots! stores. In a statement released earlier this year, Variety Wholesalers, led by CEO Lisa Seigies, shared their excitement over bringing the brand back from the edge of extinction. This shift in ownership has provided Big Lots! with the fresh perspective and resources it needed to regain its footing in the competitive retail world.
The Role of Variety Wholesalers in the Comeback
Variety Wholesalers, a company known for its commitment to providing affordable products to communities, has become the key player in Big Lots!’s revival. With the reopening of Big Lots! locations in two phases throughout May, Variety Wholesalers is breathing new life into the brand and focusing on delivering a positive customer experience.
Lisa Seigies, the president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming store openings, saying, “We’re excited to bring an additional 132 Big Lots! locations back to life in May. The customer response to the newly expanded assortment of fresh inventory and great deals has been overwhelmingly positive.” This sentiment reflects the company’s commitment to restoring Big Lots! as a reliable shopping destination for budget-conscious customers, whether they’re seeking home essentials, groceries, or entertainment options.
One of the exciting aspects of Big Lots!’s reopening plan is the focus on a more diverse inventory selection, with fresh stock of furniture, household products, and pantry items, among others. In addition to bringing back old favorites, Big Lots! will also introduce a new range of products to ensure that it remains a relevant and competitive player in the retail market. This refreshed assortment is designed to meet the needs of customers who have increasingly become more discerning about value and quality.
The Role of Big Lots! Employees
While much of the focus has been on the store locations themselves, the human element of this revival is equally important. Lisa Seigies also took a moment to acknowledge the hard work of the employees who helped make the reopening possible. “I couldn’t be prouder of the dedicated team who made it possible for us to serve these communities again,” Seigies remarked. The success of this comeback wouldn’t have been possible without the employees who worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in place for a smooth reopening.
Employees are a crucial part of the Big Lots! experience. The team is known for its excellent customer service and product knowledge, and it’s no surprise that the company is making an effort to reinstate that commitment to its communities. Big Lots! has always been about providing great deals with a personal touch, and that commitment remains steadfast as the brand reopens its doors across the nation.
Locations Set to Reopen
The reopening of Big Lots! will not be limited to just a few locations—it will involve the return of 132 stores in 14 states across the U.S. This extensive reopening plan will not only bring the stores back to life but also provide a boost to local economies and offer job opportunities in areas that have been impacted by store closures in the past. These locations will offer shoppers a convenient, affordable destination for a wide range of products, ensuring that Big Lots! continues to be an integral part of the retail landscape.
The reopening will happen in two phases, with the first phase set to begin on May 1, 2025, and the second on May 15, 2025. Below is a breakdown of the states where Big Lots! stores will be reopening:
States and Locations Set to Reopen:
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Alabama – Locations in Athens, Decatur, Dothan, Guntersville, Jasper, Mobile, and Northport will reopen.
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Florida – Crystal River, Jacksonville, Marianna, Ormond Beach, and Panama City.
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Georgia – Augusta, Brunswick, Buford, Cornelia, Dallas, Fort Oglethorpe, Marietta, Smyrna, Valdosta, Vidalia, Waycross.
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Indiana – Jasper.
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Kentucky – Campbellsville, Danville, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Hazard, London, Middlesboro, Richmond, Somerset.
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Michigan – Burton, Flint, Port Huron, Shelby Township, and Southgate.
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Mississippi – Southhaven.
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North Carolina – Various locations across the state, including Greensboro, Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville.
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Ohio – Alliance, Boardman, Bridgeport, and several other cities.
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Pennsylvania – Locations in Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, Du Bois, and Erie.
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South Carolina – Easley, Greenwood, Lexington, Rock Hill, and Simpsonville.
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Tennessee – Alcoa, Cleveland, Greeneville, Johnson City, and Knoxville.
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Virginia – Chesapeake, Chester, Fredericksburg, and Winchester.
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West Virginia – Beckley, Charleston, Fairmont, and Princeton.
This impressive list of locations highlights Big Lots!’s expansive reach, as it looks to reignite its presence across a variety of markets. From the bustling urban centers of Ohio to the smaller communities of West Virginia, Big Lots! is bringing its unbeatable deals and wide product range back to both established and emerging markets.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Big Lots?
The reopening of these 132 stores marks an important milestone in Big Lots!’s journey back from the brink of bankruptcy. With the backing of Variety Wholesalers, the brand is positioned to continue its recovery and expand its footprint in the retail world. While the company’s future remains a work in progress, the reopening is certainly a positive sign, showing that with the right leadership and strategy, brands can bounce back from challenging situations.
Big Lots! is taking the lessons learned from its time in decline and applying them to the current strategy, ensuring that it not only survives but thrives. The focus on quality, affordability, and a diverse range of products will help the retailer remain competitive in a market that is rapidly evolving.
As more locations reopen in May, it’s clear that Big Lots! is committed to offering shoppers the best value while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the demands of the modern consumer. The revival of these stores will likely be the beginning of even greater things for the brand, as it continues to evolve and innovate in the retail space.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start for Big Lots!
Big Lots! has proven that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for a comeback. The successful reopening of over 130 stores is a testament to the resilience of the brand and the dedication of its employees. As the first phase of reopenings begins in May, shoppers across the country can look forward to the return of a trusted retailer that offers not only great deals but also a renewed sense of hope for the future of brick-and-mortar retail. Keep an eye out for these new Big Lots! locations, and prepare to welcome back a discount shopping experience that has stood the test of time.
Let the comeback begin!
