Just months after facing bankruptcy and near-total closure, Big Lots is officially back in business, and growing fast. The discount retailer announced it will reopen 78 additional stores, bringing the total number of reopened locations to 219.
The relaunch comes under the new ownership of Variety Wholesalers, which acquired the brand following its bankruptcy filing last fall. This fourth and final wave of reopenings includes stores across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
From Liquidation to Revival
Big Lots’ turnaround seemed unlikely late last year. After a failed sale attempt, the company had begun closing down its entire store network and liquidating assets. But a last-minute deal brokered by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners paved the way for Variety Wholesalers to purchase between 200 and 400 locations, along with up to two distribution centers.
Since then, the strategy has been clear: return Big Lots to its roots. That means focusing once again on the closeout model that originally made it a household name—selling overstock, liquidation deals, and deeply discounted goods.
“Our new mission is about getting back to what Big Lots did best: offering incredible value on name-brand closeouts,” said Rachel Roux, Big Lots’ marketing and brand manager.
While the current relaunch effort is focused on the Eastern U.S., the company hinted at further expansion if demand continues.
What’s Next for Big Lots?
Although the retailer has stabilized for now, its future still depends on execution. With retail competition high and consumer budgets stretched, Big Lots will need to continue offering real value to earn its place back in shoppers’ routines.
But for now, it’s a comeback worth watching because it’s one about rebuilding trust.