Discount retailer Variety Wholesalers Inc. is opening its first round of Big Lots! stores on April 10. Nine locations across six states are set to reopen. It's the beginning of a major relaunch.
Big Lots! filed for bankruptcy in September 2024. Later, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners stepped in. They arranged the sale of Big Lots’ assets to different retailers. Variety Wholesalers took over 219 stores.
Now, the company is launching its value-focused model in these stores. Shoppers will find remodeled spaces and closeout deals. New items include electronics and family apparel.
The first wave of reopened locations includes stores in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Specific cities like Mount Sterling, Metairie, and Roanoke are on the list. These stores are just the start.
More reopenings are planned in several states. That includes North Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Other regions like Ohio and Georgia are also on the roadmap.
About 55 more stores will open on May 1. The rest will launch through early June. A full grand-opening celebration is expected this fall.
“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 Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers. “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!”
Variety Wholesalers already runs over 400 stores in 18 states. Its brands include Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, Maxway, and now Big Lots!
Big Lots Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio, had more than 1,000 stores across 48 states before bankruptcy. In January, Gordon Brothers listed its leases for sale. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has snapped up more than 60.