Big Lots to reopen 132 stores in May: See the list

Big Lots reaches deal to keep some stores open

The Associated Press reports, the discount chain Big Lots, which filed for bankruptcy protection in September, has reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open. Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand.

HENDERSON, N.C. - Big Lots announced it will be reopening hundreds of stores this May.

The discount chain store will be reopening 132 stores across 14 states as part of the company’s revitalization strategy. 

Big Lots reopening hundreds of stores

Dig deeper:

According to the company, Big Lots will open in May in two phases, on May 1 and May 15. 

Big Lots will reopen in cities across 14 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Details on store locations can be found at biglots.com.

Grand opening celebrations are planned this fall for all Big Lots stores.

What they're saying:

According to Big Lots, the expansion, which is under the direction of new owners, Variety Wholesalers, will build on the positive customer response to the initial reopenings of Big Lots stores in April 2025.

A sign is posted in front of a Big Lots store on June 07, 2024 in Hercules, California. (Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

"We’re excited to bring an additional 132 Big Lots! locations back to life in May," said Lisa Seigies, the president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers. "The customer response to the newly expanded assortment of fresh inventory and great deals has been overwhelmingly positive. The Big Lots! stores opening in May show our continued commitment to providing the best value to our customers with apparel for the family, everyday needs for the home, kitchen, and pantry plus a huge selection of famous brands. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedicated team who made it possible for us to serve these communities again!"

Big Lots strikes deal to keep stores open

The backstory:

In December, Big Lots reached a deal that would keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open after filing for bankruptcy protection last September.

At the time, Big Lots said it would be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm that specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers would then transfer Big Lots’ stores, distribution centers and other assets to other retailers.

RELATED: Big Lots strikes deal to keep hundreds of US stores open

Variety Wholesalers, which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, planned to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand. 

"This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand," Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn said in a statement. "We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process."