In a remarkable comeback, 132 Big Lots! stores will come back to life across 14 states starting in May. The retail chain’s new owner, Variety Wholesalers, is leading this comeback after Big Lots declared bankruptcy in 2024.
The reopening happens in two waves – 54 stores open their doors May 1, with another 78 following on May 15. Lisa Seigies said in a press release: “We’re excited to bring an additional 132 Big Lots locations back to life… The customer response… has been overwhelmingly positive. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedicated team…”
North Carolina takes the lead with 27 stores. Ohio follows with 14 locations, Pennsylvania brings 13, while Georgia adds 11 new stores.
Customers in Mobile, Jacksonville, Augusta, Flint, Greensboro, Toledo, Erie, Spartanburg, Knoxville and Martinsburg will get their stores back. The reopenings spread across Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last September, Big Lots got a second chance when Variety Wholesalers bought 219 locations. The sale finished this January.
These May openings make up phases two and three of a four-step comeback plan. The final phase kicks off June 2025, bringing 78 more stores to finish the 219-store revival.
The comeback includes: Alabama (7), Florida (5), Georgia (11), Indiana (1), Kentucky (9), Michigan (5), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (27), Ohio (14), Pennsylvania (13), South Carolina (8), Tennessee (10), Virginia (10), and West Virginia (8).
Customers can expect to find familiar products alongside new offerings – from clothing to kitchen essentials, plus home decor and groceries. This selection aligns with Variety’s other retail brands, including Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, and Maxway. Variety operates more than 400 stores across 18 states, including Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, Maxway, and now Big Lots!.
Each store will return to its previous location. By summer, all 219 purchased locations should be up and running.
