Nearly 80 more Big Lots stores are gearing up to reopen this week. Variety Wholesalers is behind the push, rolling out its fourth wave of store reopenings following Big Lots’ bankruptcy. A total of 78 locations will resume business Thursday.
Stores in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are part of this batch. Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 Big Lots stores after the company filed for Chapter 11. The sale came through a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.
Big Lots blamed high inflation, steep interest rates, and weak consumer spending for its financial troubles. The focus now is on recovery and getting customers back in the doors. The retailer's core shoppers had pulled back on home and seasonal goods.
Reopenings began modestly, with just nine stores launching in the first wave. Two more waves followed in May, relaunching 132 additional locations. This fourth wave brings the total back in business to over 200.
Variety Wholesalers plans a grand opening celebration this fall. The company promises “exciting new deals” at all 219 locations. It’s part of their mission to bring Big Lots back to its roots.
CEO Lisa Seigies said customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Providing great value will always be our core mission,” she noted. The strong response has led the company to consider acquiring even more locations.
Big Lots is betting that value pricing and a familiar shopping experience will drive foot traffic again. If customer enthusiasm holds, more stores may soon be added to the list.