Big Lots stores Closing List has placed hundreds of locations for sale after declaring for Chapter 11 bankruptcy late last year.
However, many may remain operational as Variety Wholesalers is intending to take over 200 locations and continue their operations as Big Lots. Experts told Newsweek what to expect from the cheap store in the future.
Why It Matters: Big lots closing stores
Big Lots hiring originally filed for bankruptcy in September and has been in the process of getting rid of its failing stores since then.
The retail chain’s financial troubles may mirror widespread economic turmoil in the industry. Currently, approximately 25 percent of America’s top retail malls are predicted to close by 2027, according to research by real estate consulting firm Green Street Advisors.
During the coronavirus pandemic, many consumers switched their behavior to favor internet buying over brick-and-mortar establishments.
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Big Lots Stores Closing Locations
What To Know
Big Lots is seeking support from Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a Boston-based asset liquidation firm, during the bankruptcy process.
So far, 200 locations were recognised as the stores being taken over by Variety Wholesalers. This comprises places in North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi and West Virginia.
Variety Wholesalers also owns Roses Discount shops, Roses Express, Maxway, Bill’s Dollar shops and Bargain Town.
Any objections to Variety Wholesalers taking over the stores could be submitted with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court before 4 p.m. on February 18.
When did Big Lots hiring File For Bankruptcy?
The inexpensive furniture retailer filed for bankruptcy in September due to financial issues.
Originally, Big Lots claimed it would be closing 545 of 1,389 locations by January, but since then, additional stores have been placed on the chopping block.
Big Lots: Which states could have additional stores close?
Most of the locations for sale are in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. There were a few additional stores closing in Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
When it filed for bankruptcy in September, Big Lots was the fourth-largest home goods retailer in the U.S. Big Lots had 1,392 locations at the beginning of 2024 and now has 872 stores across the U.S., according to its website.
That leaves only a few store locations available to be sold or taken over by Variety Wholesalers. Neither Gordon Brothers or Big Lots responded to a request for information from USA TODAY.
- Big lots is closing its stores across the country.
- Big lots store closing list
- Big lots says it is closing hundreds of stores nationwide
- Is big lots closing all stores
Big Lots reopening date
Big Lots reopening date: Jeff King, Variety Wholesalers vice president of sales and marketing, told Fast Company that the company began the necessary work on March 3 to reopen the sites. He confirmed that the nine locations listed above will have their soft openings on Thursday, April 10.
The stores will remain closed for a period of time before then so Variety Wholesalers may do necessary maintenance, which includes cleaning the sites, as well as refurbishing the stores and bringing in new categories of merchandise.
King also confirmed plans for the second wave of Big Lots opening. He stated second wave would involve much more locations—another 70 stores—and that those stores would reopen on Thursday, May 1.
Big Lots Hiring | Careers
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Big Lots back from the brink
It’s fair to say that 2024 was the worst year in Big Lots’s 57-year history. After facing financial troubles for years, Big Lots announced in December that it will be going out of business and closing all remaining 870 stores, and therefore seeing the removal of 27,000 employment.
Gordon Brothers owned Big Lots and had been handling the stores’ closures when, in the closing days of 2024, Variety Wholesalers rushed in, agreeing to buy at least 200 locations from the liquidator to keep the chain going under the Big Lots brand. Variety is the owner of several additional inexpensive chain businesses, including Roses, Bill’s Dollar businesses, Super Dollar, and Bargain Town.
Other states besides the ones listed above that are expected to see Big Lots stores reopen include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
The early-rate deadline for Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards is Friday, March 21, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Big lots stores closing locations
The Myrtle Beach Big Lots is closing in 2025. Here’s when the store shuts down. “When it’s gone, it’s gone!” is the message you’ll hear if you call Big Lots’ Myrtle Beach store. And as the message suggests, the store will soon leave the Grand Strand for good.
Big Lots Locations Expected to Stay Open
Of roughly 900 remaining locations, Big Lots indicated these stores will be taken up by Variety Wholesalers and keep in operation:
Alabama
- 603 U.S. Hwy 72 W, Athens, AL
- 1619 Town Sq. SW, Cullman, AL
- 1820 6th Ave Se., Decatur, AL
- 1100 Hwy 78 W., Jasper, AL
- 5363 Hwy 90 W Ste. C, Mobile, AL
- 5510 McFarland Blvd., Northport, AL
Florida
- 843 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL
- 225 S. Tyndall Pkwy., Callaway, FL
- 146 SE U.S. Highway 19, Crystal River, FL
- 4901 Palm Beach Blvd. Ste. 230, Fort Myers, FL
- 9119 Merrill Rd, Ste 50, Jacksonville, FL
- 4700 Highway 90, Marianna, FL
- 6247 Highway 90, Milton, FL
- 13970 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers, FL
- 122 S. Nova Rd., Ormond Beach, FL
- 3048 E. College Ave., Ruskin, FL
- 2384 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL
- 3401 13th St. Ste. 100, Saint Cloud, FL
Georgia
- 4420 Altama Ave. Ste. C2, Brunswick, GA
- 4125 Highway 20, Ste. A-2, Buford, GA
- 323 Habersham Village Cir., Cornelia, GA
- 3111 Highway 278 NW, Covington, GA
- 260 Merchants Square, Dallas, GA
- 558 Battlefield Pkwy., Fort Oglethorpe, GA
- 127 Commerce Ave., LaGrange, GA
- 2932 Canton Rd. Ste. 210, Marietta, GA
- 13 Lester Rd Ste. C, Statesboro, GA
- 3791 S. Cobb Dr. Se., Ste G, Smyrna, GA
- 110 E Northside Dr., Valdosta, GA
- 2305 E 1st St., Vidalia, GA
- 1803 Knight Ave Ste A2, Waycross, GA
Indiana
- 195 S. U.S. Hwy 231, Jasper, IN
Kentucky
- 400 Campbellsville Byp., Campbellsville, KY
- 1714 Perryville Rd. Ste. 400, Danville, KY
- 200 Sycamore St., Ste. 151, Elizabethtown, KY
- 294 Village Ln., Hazard, KY
- 845 S. Main St., London, KY
- 102 N 12th St., Middlesboro, KY
- 1342 Indian Mound Dr., Mount Sterling, KY
- 472 Eastern Byp., Richmond, KY
- 345 N. Hwy 27 Ste. 5, Somerset, KY
- 86 Appalachian Plz., South Williamson, KY
Louisiana
- 755 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA
Michigan
- 4157 E. Court Street, Burton, MI
- 5112 Miller Rd., Flint, MI
- 659 24th St., Port Huron, MI
- 14333 Eureka Rd., Southgate, MI
- 7651 23 Mile Rd., Shelby Township, MI
Mississippi
- 5778 Hwy. 80 E, Pearl, MS
- 2605 W. Main St., Tupelo, Ms
North Carolina
- 1371 N Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen, NC
- 720 NC 24 27 Byp E., Albemarle, NC
- 1432 E Dixie Dr., Asheboro, NC
- 601 Park St., Belmont, NC
- 1811 S. Church St., Burlington, NC
- 100 Westwood Village Dr., Clemmons, NC
- 280 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC
- 1504 N Bridge St., Elkin, NC
- 685 S Hughes Blvd., Elizabeth City, NC
- 3915 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC
- 273 Franklin Plaza Dr., Franklin, NC
- 630 Lakestone Commons Ave., Fuquay-Varina, NC
- 3718 Battleground Ave., Greensboro, NC
- 609 Greenville Blvd. SE, Greenville, NC
- 526C U.S. Highway 70 SW, Hickory, NC
- 2531 Eastchester Dr., High Point, NC
- 1677 Westchester Dr., High Point, NC
- 1110 Western Blvd., Jacksonville, NC
- 950 S Cannon Blvd. Ste. A, Kannapolis, NC
- 1664 S Main St. Ste. B, Laurinburg, NC
- 838 Winston Rd., Lexington, NC
- 403 N Generals Blvd., Lincolnton, NC
- 2750c N Roberts Ave., Lumberton, NC
- 1063 Yadkinville Rd., Mocksville, NC
- 2900 Arendell St. Ste. 19, Morehead City, NC
- 1251 Burkemont Ave., Morganton, NC
- 376 West Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC
- 1328 Carter St., Mount Airy, NC
- 1450 Andrews Rd., Murphy, NC
- 2725 Northwest Blvd., Newton, NC
- 520 Berne Sq., New Bern, NC
- 1110 Julian R Allsbrook Hwy., Roanoke Rapids, NC
- 955 N Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC
- 711 E. Innes St., Salisbury, NC
- 2950 S. Horner Blvd., Sanford, NC
- 1403 S Pollock St., Selma, NC
- 4600 Main St. Ste 1, Shallotte, NC
- 1728 E Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC
- 4956 Long Beach Rd. SE, Ste 8, Southport, NC
- 1639 Us Highway 74A Byp., Spindale, NC
- 1020 Crossroads Dr., Statesville, NC
- 12295 Capital Blvd., Wake Forest, NC
- 1176 Russ Ave., Waynesville, NC
- 130 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC
- 1826 W US Hwy 421, Ste. K, Wilkesboro, NC
- 1700 Raleigh Rd., Pkwy W Ste 104, Wilson, NC
Ohio
- 426 East Waterloo Rd., Akron, OH
- 1890 W. Market St. Suite #500, Akron, OH
- 1965 W. State St., Alliance, OH
- 241 W. Wooster Rd., Barberton, OH
- 56104 National Rd., Bridgeport, OH
- 1336 Whipple Ave. NW, Canton, OH
- 3640 Werk Rd., Cincinnati, OH
- 12588 Rockside Rd., Cleveland, OH
- 2837 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH
- 405 Howe Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH
- 825 Cleveland St., Elyria, OH
- 1800 E. State St., Fremont, OH
- 400 Silver Bridge Plz., Gallipolis, OH
- 3961 Hoover Rd., Grove City, OH
- 10560 Harrison Ave., Harrison, OH
- 2050 E. Dorothy Ln., Kettering, OH
- 1700 E Main St., Lancaster, OH
- 110 S. 7th St., Marietta, OH
- 8489 Market St., Mentor, OH
- 408 Bluebell Dr. NW, New Philadelphia, OH
- 6300 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, OH
- 367 County Rd 406, Ste B, South Point, OH
- 3946 W. Alexis Rd., Toledo, OH
- 4331 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH
- 498 Cadiz Rd., Wintersville, OH
- 9025 Ohio River Rd., Wheelersburg, OH
- 7100 South Ave., Youngstown, OH
Pennsylvania
- 2431 Columbia Blvd., Bloomsburg, PA
- 3437 Simpson Ferry Rd., Camp Hill, PA
- 467 W. Penn Ave., Cleona, PA
- 5522 Shaffer Rd., Unit 7, DuBois, PA
- 1010 O’Neill Hwy., Dunmore, PA
- 389 N. Reading Rd., Ephrata, PA
- 866 Scranton Carbondale Hwy., Eynon, PA
- 500 Lincoln Hwy. Ste. 4, Fairless Hills, PA
- 697 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA
- 6041 State Route 30 Ste 20, Greensburg, PA
- 1150 Carlisle St., Hanover, PA
- 2444 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA
- 1425 Scalp Ave. Ste. 130, Johnstown, PA
- 1241 Blakeslee Boulevard Dr. E, Lehighton, PA
- 7405 Westbranch Hwy., Lewisburg, PA
- 820 Water St., Meadville, PA
- 2611 Ellwood Rd, New Castle, PA
- 11628 Penn Hills Dr., Pittsburgh, PA
- 4717 McKnight Rd., Pittsburgh, PA
- 750 Ohio River Blvd., Rochester, PA
- 156 Eagles Glen Plz Ste. 190 East, Stroudsburg, PA
- 2140 White St., York, PA
South Carolina
- 328 Robert Smalls Pkwy., Beaufort, SC
- 1641 Church St., Conway, SC
- 9221 Two Notch Rd., Ste. 30, Columbia, SC
- 6169 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC
- 1023a S Pendleton St., Easley, SC
- 431 Saint James Ave. Unit G, Goose Creek, SC
- 339 Bypass 72 NW., Greenwood, SC
- 1206 Highway 9 Bypass W, Lancaster, SC
- 1013 Old Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC
- 1370 S Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC
- 710 Hwy 17 S Ste. D, North Myrtle Beach, SC
- 2349 Cherry Rd. Ste. 79, Rock Hill, SC
- 207 Oconee Square Dr., Seneca, SC
- 915 S. St. Ste. A, Simpsonville, SC
- 1000 N Pine St., Spartanburg, SC
- 10150 Dorchester Rd. Unit 227, Summerville, SC
- 3230 Augusta Rd., West Columbia, SC
Tennessee
- 1301 S. James Campbell Blvd., Columbia, TN
- 1041 S. Riverside Dr., Clarksville, TN
- 840 25th St. NW, Cleveland, TN
- 220 Dickson Plaza Dr., Dickson, TN
- 744 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN
- 1475 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Greeneville, TN
- 3110 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN
- 264 E. Broadway Blvd., Jefferson City, TN
- 4825 N. Broadway St., Knoxville, TN
- 2342 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy., Morristown, TN
- 1262 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro, TN
- 420 Park Blvd., Rogersville, TN
- 201 Forks Of The River Parkway, Sevierville, TN
- 1806 N Jackson St., Tullahoma, TN
Virginia
- 1971 S. Military Hwy., Chesapeake, VA
- 4300 Portsmouth Blvd., Chesapeake, VA
- 2660 Weir Place, Chester, VA
- 260 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA
- 10611 Courthouse Rd., Fredericksburg, VA
- 2318 W Mercury Blvd., Hampton, VA
- 2646 Greensboro Rd., Martinsville, VA
- 1851 E. Little Creek Rd., Norfolk, VA
- 10001 Hull Street Rd., North Chesterfield, VA
- 5260 Oaklawn Blvd., North Prince George, VA
- 2911 Hershberger Rd. NW, Roanoke, VA
- 1090 Bypass Rd., Vinton, VA
- 2715 W Main St., Waynesboro, VA
- 6610 Mooretown Rd., Williamsburg, VA
- 1090 Millwood Pike Winchester, VA
- 4318 George Washington Mem Hwy., Yorktown, VA
West Virginia
- 4522 Robert C. Byrd Dr., Beckley, WV
- 104 Thompson Dr., Bridgeport, WV
- 118 Hills Plz, Charleston, WV
- 710 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV
- 110 Eagle School Rd., Martinsburg, WV
- 291 Mall Rd., Oak Hill, WV
- 1350 Stafford Dr, Princeton, WV
Why is Big Lots going out of business?
Shortly after filing for bankruptcy, Big Lots announced it owes $3.1 billion to between 5,000 and 10,000 creditors in court records.
The chain had also endured a sales decrease of as high as $114.5 million from 2023 to 2024.
What People Are Saying
Big Lots CEO Bruce Thorn stated in a statement previously: “Though the majority of our store locations are profitable, we intend to move forward with a more focused footprint to ensure that we operate efficiently and are best positioned to serve our customers.”
What stores are going out of business in 2025?
Stores Closing in the U.S. in 2025: Joann, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and More Companies Facing Financial Challenges. According to Coresight Research, approximately 15,000 stores will close this year in the U.S.
Who is taking over Big Lots stores?
With the addition of the 40 Big Lots locations, Ollie’s has now acquired 63 total former leases from the struggling retailer. “We are excited to announce the acquisition of an additional 40 former Big Lot store locations,” Eric van der Valk, president and CEO of Ollie’s, said in a news release.
R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Placer.ai, told Newsweek: “Big Lots’ issues arise from a mix of consumer behavior trends, economic pressures, and rising competition. The retailer’s product mix leans largely toward furnishings and home décor—categories that skyrocketed in demand during the early pandemic but have faded in recent years. Rising expenditures for lower-income consumers, including food, housing, and healthcare, have further reduced demand for Big Lots’ services. Additionally, the corporation has faced rising competition from Walmart and other mass merchants who pulled back prices in the fall to attract buyers.”
Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the proprietor of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek: “This contract with Gordon Brothers and Variety Wholesalers, they hope it’s their lifeline. Variety will manage the purchased stores under the Big Lots name, while allowing Big Lots to divest unprofitable locations and focus on lucrative stores. They’re simply getting back to fundamentals. Returning to their extreme bargain roots that functioned wonderfully before they lost their way.”
Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: “While competition, declining sales, and broader economic conditions—such as rising interest rates and shrinking margins—are often cited as reasons for the company’s struggles, there’s a common thread among many retail closures: private equity. During the era of low interest rates, private equity firms received billions in inexpensive capital to invest. Now, as rates increase, we’re seeing a wave of retail closures, frequently following a similar pattern: either a sale-leaseback of real estate holdings or a leveraged buyout that loads the business with exorbitant management fees and unsustainable debt.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “This process is fairly routine for retailers who file for bankruptcy. While clients may regard this financial activity as a sign the company is going out of business, that’s not always the fact. In fact, in many circumstances, the retailer is filing for bankruptcy to restructure and shrink in an attempt to stabilize their operations and return to profitability.”
