A welcoming interior of a newly reopened Big Lots store showcasing a range of products.
Big Lots is set to reopen 132 stores in 14 states, including 13 locations in Pennsylvania, starting May 2025. The reopening follows the company’s acquisition by Variety Wholesalers after a challenging period, including bankruptcy and store closures. The phased reopening will allow for a smooth transition, with grand opening celebrations planned to engage customers. The renewed stores are expected to offer a diverse assortment of products, targeting both urban and rural shoppers to revitalize the brand and enhance the shopping experience.
Pennsylvania – Big Lots has announced the reopening of 132 stores across 14 states, including 13 locations in Pennsylvania, slated for May 2025. The reopening will unfold in two phases, with the first set of stores scheduled to open on May 1, followed by an additional round on May 15, 2025.
The Pennsylvania locations that will resume operations include Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Du Bois, Dunmore, East Stroudsburg, Erie, Eynon, Franklin, Lehighton, Lewisburg, Meadville, and New Castle. This significant expansion follows a turbulent period for the retailer, which had faced substantial challenges leading up to its acquisition by Variety Wholesalers.
The reopening of Big Lots is part of a revitalization strategy under its new ownership. Variety Wholesalers, a North Carolina-based discount retailer, acquired between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores along with two distribution centers following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September 2024. This bankruptcy led to the closure of over 1,300 stores nationwide as part of a liquidation process. In December 2024, the company announced plans to close all remaining locations, but a last-minute acquisition deal allowed for a new beginning.
The process of reopening is structured in two phases to facilitate a smooth transition back into the market. The first phase on May 1 will see a portion of the stores open, while the second phase on May 15 will include the remaining outlets. The first wave of store reopenings happened successfully in April 2025, where nine locations across Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia resumed operations.
The renewed Big Lots stores are set to provide a diverse range of products, catering to various customer needs. Shoppers can expect a wide assortment that includes apparel, home essentials, kitchen and pantry items, and well-known brand offerings. The stores aim to promote accessibility for a wide spectrum of consumers, focusing on both urban and rural segments.
Big Lots’ revitalization efforts are supported by positive customer feedback regarding new inventory, reflecting optimism in the company’s strategy to regain its foothold in the retail landscape. The company plans for further store openings into June 2025, signaling continued growth opportunities after a significant downsizing period.
As part of the reopening process, planned grand openings will include celebrations aimed at engaging customers. These events will provide opportunities for shoppers to explore new merchandise and participate in various activities designed to enhance the shopping experience.
While the reopening signifies a positive turn for Big Lots, it is important to note that no stores are scheduled to reopen in the Philadelphia region. The nearest available locations will be at least an hour and a half drive away, posing accessibility challenges for urban consumers in that area.
The reopening of Big Lots stores represents a significant milestone for the retailer as it works to reclaim its presence in the American marketplace after encountering a major financial crisis. With a focus on revitalization under new ownership, the company is poised to reconnect with customers by offering a variety of products and engaging community-centered events.
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