Big Lots to Reopen 130 Stores Across 12 States This May

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Big Lots is set to reopen over 130 stores this May, initiating a significant return to the market. The company plans to open 60 stores on May 1, followed by another 73 on May 15. These store openings are part of a multi-phase rollout that includes locations across a dozen states.

The reopenings come after Variety Wholesalers announced its acquisition of 219 Big Lots stores earlier this year. As part of the deal, Variety Wholesalers aims to reinvigorate the Big Lots brand by introducing new deals, renowned brands, and an updated apparel department.

“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 Wholesalers CEO Lisa Seigies in a statement on April 4. The reopening strategy is expected to continue through early June, concluding with a “grand celebration” in the fall.

The May 1 openings will occur in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. On May 15, additional stores will open, broadening the reach into these key markets.

In addition to Variety Wholesalers, Ocean State Job Lot, a Rhode Island-based retailer, has announced plans to purchase 15 former Big Lots locations in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. Earlier in February, another retailer reported it would acquire 40 former Big Lots stores.

As Big Lots paves its way back into the retail landscape, more information regarding future reopenings has been requested by USA TODAY. The anticipated success of these stores will come as they aim to serve both familiar communities and newer markets heavily focused on budget-friendly options.