The Big Lots comeback under new ownership is growing. Variety Wholesalers plans to reopen nearly 80 stores in nine states on June 5, USA TODAY reports.
The company, which bought 219 Big Lots stores in February during bankruptcy proceedings for the Columbus-based retailer, has already reopened 139 locations in April and May and is operating the stores under the Big Lots name.
Which stores in Ohio are coming back? Here’s what to know.
Ohio and Kentucky Big Lots stores reopening June 5
Ohio stores that will reopen June 5, as reported by USA TODAY, are:
Also, one store in Kentucky will reopen June 5:
Full list of Big Lots locations reopening June 5
Variety Wholesalers is reopening Big Lots stores in nine states on June 5, including locations in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Here is the full list of locations:
What Ohio Big Lots stores did Variety Wholesalers buy?
With the June 5 openings, Variety Wholesalers will have reopened all their Big Lots stores in Ohio. In all, Variety bought more than two dozen locations, including:
“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,” Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, said in an April press release. “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.”
40 Big Lots to see new life as Ollie’s Bargain Outlets, including 4 in Ohio
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, announced in March it was acquiring 40 Big Lots locations across the country, including four in Ohio.
The four Ohio locations are:
“Everything about these stores lines up well with our business and growth strategy. These locations are the right size, come with favorable lease terms, are located in existing and adjacent trade areas, and have long serviced value-conscious consumers,” Eric van der Valk, president and CEO of Ollie’s, said in the release.
Is Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots going out of business? Retailer closing more than 600 stores
In all, more than 600 Big Lots locations have closed or will close around the country. Gordon Brothers Retail Partners of Boston, the liquidation firm helping Big Lots through its bankruptcy process, put those leases up for sale in January, the Dispatch previously reported.
In Ohio, 56 locations in the state will close.
What Big Lots stores in Ohio are closing? Here’s the full list
The Big Lots locations in Ohio that will close or already have closed are:
Kentucky Big Lots stores in the list of closures
In Kentucky, these stores, including three — Bellevue, Covington and Florence — near Cincinnati, are slated to close:
Big Lots files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2024
Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sept. 9, 2024, the Dispatch reported previously. The company blamed inflation and high interest rates for taking a toll on its customers.
Los Angeles-based investment company Nexus Capital Management had agreed to buy most of its assets, but that deal fell through in December. Gordon Brothers then stepped in to buy Big Lots out of bankruptcy and then sell some of the stores to Variety.
Big Lots joins Joann Fabrics, Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney in closing stores
Big Lots joins several other national retailers in filing bankruptcy and closing stores in 2025. They include:
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Big Lots reopening another 80 stores. Which ones are in Ohio? See the full list
Reporting by Chad Murphy, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
