AN ICONIC discount retailer that some believe is cheaper that Dollar Tree is set to re-open 219 stores following its bankruptcy filing.
Since April, more and more locations have been reappearing, in a remarkable case of a retailer bouncing back.
Since April, more and more locations have been reappearing, in a remarkable case of a retailer bouncing back[/caption]
The US Sun reported on one of the most recent waves of re-openings at Big Lots, which saw over 70 stores come back.
It saw the return of Big Lots spots in 13 states across the US from May 15.
This included in states such as Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.
As the waves have continued, overjoyed employees have shared their experiences of coming back to work.
The US Sun covered the first wave to happen back in April, which saw the initial return of nine stores.
Social media was treated to pictures of delighted former employees who were now back in a job.
The caption on one post said: “WE’RE BACK!!!! The first 9 stores opened today with 210 more to open over the next few weeks.
“So great to see so many smiling faces!”
Big banners can be seen in the pictures that read: “THE COMBEBACK STARTS NOW!”
THE FINAL WAVE
Now, all 219 stores acquired by Variety Wholesalers have reopened.
The final wave welcomed back 78 additional Big Lots stores across nine states, which re-opened on Thursday, June 5, per USA Today.
Now that all of the 219 locations bought in the deal have been re-opened, Big Lots is getting ready for a celebration in the fall to mark the occasion.
Variety Wholesalers CEO Lisa Seigies said back in April as the comeback kicked off: “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.
“We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community.
The 13 states that had Big Lots opening on May 15
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
“We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build toward the grand opening celebration in the fall.”
OTHER BUYERS
Variety Wholesalers weren’t the only group to scoop up Big Lots locations, however.
The US Sun reported on the discount retailer Ollie’s, which grabbed 40 stores for itself back in February.
It has now purchased a total of 63 properties of its bankrupt competitor.
It was not immediately clear how many of the 50 locations the company has announced were once Big Lots stores.
The company believes that minimal changes need to be done to the Big Lots spots.
CFO Robert Helm said: “The Big Lots locations were generally well maintained, and have required limited build out expense to open thus far.”
Ollie’s opened 25 new stores in the first quarter of the year, and plans to open 75 by the end of 2025.
The final wave welcomed back 78 additional Big Lots stores across nine states, which re-opened on Thursday, June 5[/caption]
