After a tumultuous year that saw hundreds of closures and a bankruptcy filing, Big Lots is staging a significant comeback. The discount retail chain, which once operated over 1,300 stores nationwide, has slowly begun reopening select locations under new ownership—this time, led by Variety Wholesalers in partnership with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.
Now, with the fourth wave of reopenings set for Thursday, June 4, the Big Lots revival story is gaining serious momentum. Nearly 80 new locations are slated to reopen next month, extending the company’s revived footprint to 220 active stores.
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Why Did Big Lots Close in the First Place?
In September 2024, Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after years of struggling with inflation, supply chain issues, and fierce competition in the retail market. At one point, the company warned that up to 40 stores could close—but within weeks, that number surged to over 300.
The closure wave continued through late 2024, until a last-minute sale agreement in January 2025 helped rescue hundreds of stores. Under the deal, Variety Wholesalers acquired between 200 and 400 stores, agreeing to retain the Big Lots branding.
The Reopening Plan: 80 New Stores Coming June 4
This fourth reopening wave includes locations in nine states, expanding Big Lots’ presence across the South and Midwest. These new stores follow recent reopening waves in April and May, and Variety Wholesalers says more store launch celebrations are planned for the fall.
Here’s a full breakdown of where Big Lots will be reopening in early June:
Florida
- Brandon – 843 West Bloomingdale Avenue
- Fort Myers – 4901 Palm Beach Boulevard Unit 27B
- Milton – 6247 Highway 90
- North Fort Myers – 13970 N. Cleveland Avenue
- Ruskin – 3048 State Road 674
- Spring Hill – 2384 Commercial Way
- St. Cloud – 3401 13th Street, #100
Georgia
- Covington – 3111 Highway 278 NW
- LaGrange – 127 Commerce Avenue
- Statesboro – Highway 80 & Lester Street
Kentucky
- Bowling Green – 3000 Scottsville Road
North Carolina
- Multiple locations including Concord, High Point (2), Kannapolis, and Wilmington
Ohio
- Numerous locations such as Akron (2), Canton, Cincinnati, and Mentor
Pennsylvania
- Cities include Pittsburgh (2), York, Greensburg, and East Rochester
South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach, Columbia (2), Summerville, Goose Creek, and more
Tennessee
- Chattanooga, Columbia, Cookeville, Kingsport, and Rockwood
Virginia
- Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Vinton
Full Address Listings
For a complete list of all 80+ locations with street addresses, store details will be available on the Big Lots official website following their grand reopenings on June 5, 2025.
Big Lots to Reopen 132 Stores Closed During Last Year’s Bankruptcy
What’s Next for Big Lots?
While this is a major step forward, Big Lots’ 220 active stores still represent only a fraction of the original 1,300+ locations. It’s currently unclear if more reopenings will follow, though Variety Wholesalers has signaled interest in selective growth.
In the meantime, other retailers are capitalizing on the void. Chains like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Ocean State Job Lot are moving into some former Big Lots locations, and unique tenants—like a pickleball facility in Denver—are also giving these old retail spaces a second life.
Final Thoughts
The Big Lots reboot shows signs of resilience in a tough retail landscape. Backed by new ownership and a focused growth plan, the brand is not only surviving its bankruptcy—but slowly rebuilding its national footprint. As shoppers return to these reopened stores, the next several months could mark a surprising turnaround for one of America’s most recognized discount chains.