Discount retailer Variety Wholesalers, the new owner of Big Lots, announced the reopening plan in a news release on Friday, April 4. Big Lots applied for bankruptcy in September 2024 and Variety Wholesalers purchased hundreds of locations about three months later.
Variety is planning a four-phase rollout following the company’s acquisition of 219 Big Lots locations out of bankruptcy.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family,” said Variety CEO and president Lisa Seigies. “We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community.
“We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build towards the grand opening celebration in the fall. Every time a customer visits Big Lots!, we want them to find something new and exciting!”
The Roanoke, Virginia, location on Hershberger Road will be among the first nine stores to open on Thursday, April 10. Other states with stores in the first wave of openings are Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The second batch of about 55 more store openings is set for Thursday, May 1, and the remaining locations will reopen by June. Variety plans to reopen Big Lots locations in Pennsylvania among many other states.
Variety said Big Lots shoppers can expect a fresh look and expanded categories, including new types of clothing and electronics. Each store will continue having closeout savings while adding new merchandise each week.
When Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it began closing hundreds of stores by the end of 2024. In Pennsylvania alone, 64 stores shut down, prompting a consumer protection warning from the state’s attorney general.
In December 2024, Big Lots announced a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety to keep hundreds of stores open and preserve the chain’s brand. As part of the deal, Variety agreed to acquire between 200 and 400 locations and retain existing store employees.
Variety isn’t the only company repurposing former Big Lots sites.
Ocean State Job Lot is taking over 15 locations across the Northeast, including stores in Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, along with the Rhode Island company’s first in Delaware. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has acquired at least 63 former Big Lots stores to rebrand as Ollie’s locations.
Variety Wholesalers operates more than 400 stores across 18 states under brands like Roses, Roses Express, and Maxway.
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