By Alfaritsy 
Big Lots plans to reopen nine stores across six states next month following its announcement of closures.
go out of business
.
The store, recognized for providing items that are ‘
cheaper than Dollar Tree
‘ plans to launch 219 outlets across the country by June.
The initial wave encompasses stores located in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, making up one out of four phases.
Following the acquisition of several Big Lots assets at the last minute by Variety Wholesalers, the new store locations were established. This move helped to save
hundreds of stores
.
Variety Wholesalers
CEO Lisa Seigies
disclosed that the firm intends to swiftly reinstate its store operations and introduce fresh items weekly.
Around 55 sites are scheduled for the second phase of openings, set to occur on May 1st.
The rest of the outlets will be opened gradually by early June, culminating in a grand opening event this autumn.
The other states where Big Lots stores consider their homes include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
Last September, Big Lots grabbed attention when
The company went bankrupt.
.
The final strike against BigLots happened following its
sale involving Nexus Capital Management
fell through.
Having no alternative options, the store verified its decision to cease operations and shut down its leftover 900 outlets.
That all changed after the chain struck a deal with
Gordon Brothers Retail Partners
last December.
The firm purchased the company for $495 million and transferred the assets to Variety Wholesalers.
This encompasses approximately 200 to 400 BigLots stores along with two distribution centers.
“Thanks to our relentless work and tight partnership with Variety Wholesalers, we’re ensuring the ongoing functioning of numerous Big Lots stores and assisting in keeping staff employed,” stated Al Williams from Gordon Brothers.
‘This collaboration highlights the profound impact Gordon Brothers’ seamlessly integrated services can have on businesses and the communities they serve.’
The retailer had struggled financially for at least three years before the filing for reasons like high
inflation
and interest rates.
The Ohio-based chain suffered massive sales dips, which only grew its
possibility of bankruptcy
.
Employees were reportedly unsurprised and claimed their bosses at corporate sent them products customers didn’t buy.
Big Lots confirmed it was also in dire need of money to cover its 2002 to 2024 losses.
Despite financial issues, the chain’s September 2024 bankruptcy filing was its first one in operating history.
Since profits were still not showing improvement,
Big Lots proceeded with store closures.
And cut jobs for workers, including 555 corporate staff members.
Former
Big Lots CEO Bruce Thornquist
was also removed following the new ownership deal.
Seigies will remain at the helm for revamping the Big Lots brand, though it’s uncertain whether she will take over from Thorn.
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