News Summary
Big Lots! is reopening 219 store locations in Pennsylvania following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last September. The phased reopening includes stores focusing on apparel and household needs, with a grand reopening event planned for the fall. Variety Wholesalers has purchased these locations and is working to revitalize the brand while hiring for new positions. This shift aims to cater to changing consumer needs amidst economic challenges. Despite some permanently closed locations, the company is hopeful about its future and plans to reposition its offerings in accordance with market demands.
Pennsylvania – Big Lots! is on the path to recovery as 219 of its store locations begin reopening following the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last September. Variety Wholesalers purchased these locations as part of a strategy to revitalize the brand, with plans to operate stores focused on apparel and everyday household needs rather than heavy furniture selections.
The reopening process is being executed in stages. The third phase commenced on Thursday, with 76 stores reopening, including 10 locations in Pennsylvania such as stores in Erie, Meadville, and New Castle. Prior to this, nine Big Lots! stores reopened in April, and an additional 49 stores welcomed customers back on May 1. The company’s overall approach aims to bring a total of 24 locations back to life in Pennsylvania, with a list of an additional 11 stores set to reopen on June 5. Included in this June 5 reopening are stores in Western Pennsylvania such as Hempfield, Ross, Penn Hills, Washington, Indiana, Rochester, and Johnstown.
To celebrate the resurgence of the Big Lots! stores, a grand opening event is planned for the fall, reflecting the company’s optimism about the brand’s future under new management. In conjunction with the reopening, Variety Wholesalers is actively hiring for management and associate positions, particularly at the Hempfield location, indicating a commitment to community employment.
The decision for the substantial reopening comes after some difficult times for Big Lots!, primarily attributed to inflation and rising interest rates that negatively impacted consumer purchasing patterns. These factors influenced a significant decline in the sales of home and seasonal products, which ultimately led to the bankruptcy filing.
In addition to the current reopening plans, it is important to note that some signage has been removed from former Big Lots! locations that have closed permanently, leaving some uncertain about the future of these sites. Meanwhile, Variety Wholesalers, based in North Carolina, is poised to operate stores in 15 states, including Pennsylvania, and runs the Roses Discount Stores chain.
The revamping of the Big Lots! website also reflects the focus on a new direction under Variety Wholesalers’ management, with merchandise priorities shifting toward practical consumer staples. This shift aims to better align the store offerings with current market demands and consumer preferences, which have evolved significantly following the pandemic and economic shifts.
As Big Lots! attempts to recover its place in the retail landscape, many customers and employees are watching closely how the transitions pioneer their long-term stability. The company’s phased reopening strategy is a crucial move in reclaiming market confidence and restoring the brand that has been part of many communities.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
