Bigger news might be Big Lots, which on March 17 confirmed plans for 132 store reopenings in mostly North Carolina and adjacent states beginning May 2024. The relish manufacturer announced that it would file Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early September 2023. In January 2024, Variety Wholesalers finished its purchase of the company. This strategic move is a huge one in the revival of Big Lots after its recent financial troubles.
Best of all, the reopening takes place in two great phases! The initial group of stores will open their doors to customers on May 1, with the second cohort following on May 15. The stores will offer consumers an enormous range of goods. From kids clothes to regular household products, kitchenware, groceries, gourmet foods and so many of the big name brands you know and love.
Locations and Phased Reopening
Big Lots will reopen numerous locations across various regions. Reopening in Florida are re-opening stores in Crystal River, Jacksonville, Marianna, Ormond Beach and Panama City. The firm will return service in Georgia as well, including in Augusta, Brunswick, Buford, Macon and Savannah.
Among the Kentucky Big Lots set to return are Campbellsville, Danville, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Glasgow, and more. In other news, Michigan residents can look forward to new stores opening in Burton, Flint, and Southgate. Our reopening initiative has recently grown to include North Carolina! Other towns, like Fayetteville, Greensboro and Hickory are thrilled to welcome the Big Lots experience back.
Further, Ohio locations in Alliance, Boardman, and Columbus will participate in the reopening push. Retail Pennsylvania Retail is part of the plan, with Food Lion stores expected to reopen in Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, and Dunmore.
Revitalization Strategy
These stores are returning as a jumpstart of a vibrant four-prong revitalization plan. This new strategy first saw the light of day in April and prior openings. This omnichannel strategy is focused on delivering a better customer experience and putting Big Lots back in the center of their local communities.
Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, sounded excited that the new openings were coming.
“We’re excited to bring an additional 132 Big Lots! locations back to life in May,” – Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers
She reinforced the idea that based on customer feedback, the new inventory has been well received by customers.
“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!” – Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers
Looking Ahead
Big Lots stores begin to reopen, a triumphant comeback to business. We applaud this move as an important signal of their renewed commitment to delivering quality products at competitive prices and better serving the communities. Under new ownership, the company’s unique evolution continues. It intends to use the revitalization blueprint as a base to regain customer confidence and allegiance.
