Big Lots Reopens 219 Stores Under New Ownership: What Shoppers Can Look Forward To

There's a really exciting buzz in the air for many folks who enjoy finding great deals and everyday essentials. Big Lots, a place many people know for its variety and unexpected finds, is making a significant comeback. This retail chain, you know, is truly getting a fresh start, as it reopens 219 stores across the country under brand-new ownership. It’s a pretty big deal for communities and shoppers alike, signaling a renewed presence for a familiar name in discount retail. This comeback story, you could say, is quite remarkable, especially after the company went through some tough times.

For a while there, it seemed like the future of Big Lots was, well, a bit uncertain. The company had entered bankruptcy proceedings last fall, which meant a lot of stores had to close their doors. That, in a way, left a gap for many shoppers who relied on Big Lots for their household needs and those fun, treasure-hunt shopping trips. But now, Variety Wholesalers, the new owner, has really stepped up to bring these locations back to life, offering a hopeful new chapter for the brand and its customers. It's almost like a new beginning for everyone involved.

This whole process of bringing stores back has been a careful, phased approach, actually, designed to ensure a strong return. From the very first few locations that opened their doors again, to the larger waves of reopenings, the goal has been to welcome back shoppers with refreshed spaces and, you know, even better offerings. It’s more than just reopening doors; it’s about revitalizing the shopping experience for everyone who walks in. So, let’s explore what this means for you and your shopping plans.

Table of Contents

A New Chapter for Big Lots: Variety Wholesalers Steps In

The story of Big Lots' resurgence truly begins with its new owner, Variety Wholesalers. This company, a discount retailer itself, stepped in after Big Lots, you know, had to declare bankruptcy in 2024. Their commitment to bringing the brand back is quite clear, and they've been working diligently to make these reopenings happen. It's a big undertaking, but they seem really dedicated to it. Variety Wholesalers is looking to reopen Big Lots stores after the retailer entered bankruptcy in the fall, which is a pretty quick turnaround, honestly.

This ownership change means more than just a new name on the paperwork; it represents a complete revitalization. Big Lots stores will reopen under new ownership more than seven months after the chain filed for bankruptcy, which is a rather impressive feat. The goal is to not just get stores open, but to make them better than before. This new backing from Variety Wholesalers is, in a way, the foundation for everything shoppers will now experience.

The discount retailer Variety Wholesalers, the new owner of Big Lots, announced the plans to reopen stores in phases. This strategic approach, you know, allows for careful planning and execution, making sure each store is ready to welcome customers. It's about ensuring a smooth transition and a positive shopping experience from day one. They are really putting a lot of thought into this comeback, and that’s a good sign for everyone who enjoys a good bargain.

The Phased Reopening Journey: Bringing Stores Back to Life

The journey to reopening 219 Big Lots stores has been a carefully planned, multi-phase effort, actually. It didn't all happen at once, which makes a lot of sense for such a large operation. The initial wave of openings was quite modest, just a few locations to start things off. Variety Wholesalers began the first wave of openings on a Thursday, where customers would find remodeled stores, which is pretty exciting. This first step was, you know, a test of sorts, to make sure everything was running smoothly.

The very first locations to open their doors again were nine Big Lots stores across six states. These stores, which had closed during the bankruptcy proceeding, were slated to reopen beginning Thursday, April 10. That was the real start of things, a moment of hope for many communities. Following that, Big Lots announced it would reopen 132 stores next month under new ownership, according to a press release. This was a much larger group, really showing the scale of the comeback.

The momentum continued to build, with more and more stores getting ready. Big Lots would be reopening nine stores across six states this month, showing a steady progression. Then came the announcement that Big Lots would reopen nearly 80 more stores, bringing the total number of reopened stores to 219 under new owner Variety Wholesalers. This brought the grand total to that significant number, marking a very big step forward. The future opening dates would take place in May and June across eastern markets, totaling 219 locations, which is quite a lot of stores to get ready.

A specific update as of June 2, 2025, mentioned the reopening of 78 Big Lots stores on June 5. This particular phase, you know, would mark the fourth and final phase of the retailer’s physical store rebirth under the new ownership. It shows how precisely they've planned this whole process. After four rounds of reopenings starting in April, more than 200 Big Lots stores have reopened across the United States this year. This will bring the total number of reopened Big Lots stores to 219, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s resurgence under new ownership, Variety Wholesalers. It’s a pretty comprehensive effort, you know.

Variety Wholesalers is looking to reopen Big Lots stores after the retailer entered bankruptcy in the fall, and they’ve really delivered on that promise. The first wave of openings included specific locations, like the Champion store, at 4331 Mahoning Ave, and the Boardman store, at 7100 South Ave, which were confirmed to be opening May 1 under Variety Wholesalers, a company spokesperson confirmed. This shows how detailed the planning has been, down to individual store addresses. These specific locations are just a few examples of where you will find them, as the reach is quite broad. Big Lots is reopening stores nationwide after declaring bankruptcy in 2024, backed by new owner Variety Wholesalers, and 78 more stores will reopen on June 5 across nine states. These states include North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and parts of the South, showing a wide geographic spread.

What to Expect Inside the Reopened Stores

When you step into one of these newly reopened Big Lots stores, you're likely to find some welcome changes. The company stated that shoppers may expect "remodeled stores," which is a really nice touch. This isn't just about unlocking the doors; it's about offering a refreshed and, you know, more pleasant shopping environment. A remodeled store can make a big difference in how you experience your visit, making it more inviting and easier to navigate.

Beyond the fresh look, there's also a focus on what’s inside. Shoppers can look forward to "a large selection of closeout deals," which is, you know, a core part of the Big Lots appeal. Finding those amazing bargains on a wide range of products is what many customers really love about the store. These deals are often what make a trip to Big Lots so rewarding, offering great value on things you need or just want to pick up.

And there’s more than just deals on existing items. The company is also bringing in "new merchandise categories." This is a pretty exciting development, as it means you might discover things you didn't expect to find there before. One notable addition is "apparel for the family," which could be a big draw for many shoppers. Imagine finding clothes for everyone in your household while also picking up your usual groceries or home goods. It adds a whole new dimension to the shopping experience, really.

Variety Wholesalers will commence the first wave of openings where customers will find remodeled stores and new product selections. This commitment to fresh, updated stores and a wider range of products really shows their dedication to making this comeback a success. It’s about giving shoppers more reasons to visit and, you know, more opportunities to find great items. This approach seems designed to bring back loyal customers and attract new ones, too.

A Significant Milestone for the Brand

The reopening of 219 Big Lots stores under new ownership is, in a way, a truly significant milestone for the brand. It marks a powerful resurgence for a retailer that many thought might not make it back. This comeback story is a testament to the new ownership’s vision and commitment. It shows that even after difficult times, a beloved brand can find a way to return and, you know, thrive once more. It’s a moment worth noting for the retail world.

This whole effort brings the total number of reopened Big Lots stores to 219, which is a pretty substantial figure. It demonstrates a wide-reaching effort to restore the presence of Big Lots across numerous communities. The fact that it’s been done in phases, starting with a few and building up to hundreds, shows a very methodical and, you know, determined approach. It's not just a few scattered locations; it’s a widespread return.

The discount retailer Big Lots is making a comeback following its bankruptcy last year, with new owner Variety Wholesalers set to reopen 219 stores in phases, beginning with nine. This phased strategy has allowed for careful management of the reopening process, ensuring each store is ready for customers. It’s a comprehensive plan that has, you know, been executed with a clear goal in mind: to bring Big Lots back stronger than before. Learn more about Big Lots' journey on our site.

For shoppers, this means more convenient access to the deals and products they've missed. For the communities where these stores are located, it often means jobs and a familiar shopping destination returning. It’s a positive development that has, you know, a ripple effect. This large-scale reopening truly signifies a new era for Big Lots, one backed by a new owner with a clear vision for the future. You can also find details about their store locations here. To stay updated on the latest retail news and comebacks, you might want to check out a trusted retail news site like this one, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Big Lots stores start reopening under new ownership?

Big Lots stores began their phased reopening under new ownership starting Thursday, April 10, with an initial nine locations across six states. This was the very first step in their comeback plan, you know, getting things going after the bankruptcy.

Who is the new owner of Big Lots stores?

The new owner of Big Lots is Variety Wholesalers. This discount retailer stepped in after Big Lots declared bankruptcy in 2024, and they are, you know, leading the effort to reopen the stores and bring the brand back.

What can shoppers expect from the reopened Big Lots stores?

Shoppers can look forward to remodeled stores, a large selection of closeout deals, and new merchandise categories, including apparel for the family. So, you know, it's not just the same old thing, but a bit of an upgrade, too.

Big | Rotten Tomatoes

Big | Rotten Tomatoes

Big Summary, Latest News, Trailer, Cast, Where to Watch and More

Big Summary, Latest News, Trailer, Cast, Where to Watch and More

Why is everything so BIG in the United States? | by Deepti | Bootcamp

Why is everything so BIG in the United States? | by Deepti | Bootcamp

Detail Author:

  • Name : Reina Fadel
  • Username : sadie54
  • Email : kgrant@turcotte.com
  • Birthdate : 1982-12-12
  • Address : 227 Bernhard Shoals South Kobyfurt, KY 79421-0132
  • Phone : 650.408.9974
  • Company : Berge, Goodwin and Zboncak
  • Job : Mail Machine Operator
  • Bio : Quia occaecati ut similique dignissimos qui cum inventore. Voluptate vel quis et doloribus. Omnis beatae nostrum quos voluptas voluptas.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@hermannc
  • username : hermannc
  • bio : Velit maiores consequuntur quidem quo quia. Alias magnam et ipsum ipsam.
  • followers : 2168
  • following : 85

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/cristalhermann
  • username : cristalhermann
  • bio : Atque est mollitia veritatis quos. Eos fuga quia omnis. Delectus qui sit consequatur enim.
  • followers : 2381
  • following : 2949

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/hermann2022
  • username : hermann2022
  • bio : Quo dolorem totam eos totam. In amet vel voluptatum dolorem ipsam qui qui amet.
  • followers : 1191
  • following : 609

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/cristal_real
  • username : cristal_real
  • bio : Facere nihil aliquam quos sunt consectetur officiis. Neque sequi et et beatae suscipit. Eaque ad tenetur odio iure nemo autem.
  • followers : 4077
  • following : 2933