Variety Wholesalers announced the first wave of openings for its newly acquired Big Lots locations, starting on April 10 with nine stores across six states.
The retail chain is making its return to the shopping arena after the closeout retailer declared bankruptcy and subsequently closed all its stores. Variety, which operates more than 400 discount stores in 18 states, finalized its acquisition of more than 200 Big Lots stores back in January.
And the agreement could not come soon enough as the bankrupt chain was in the process of holding store closing sales at its approximate 950 locations nationwide. The closure came in the wake of the collapse of a deal to be acquired by Nexus Capital Management.
Big Lot offers a wide range of products, including furniture, home decor, and pantry items - with a focus on delivering extreme value to customers through closeouts, liquidations, overstocks, private labels, and value-engineered products.
Variety announced that it will reopen the remaining acquired Big Lots locations in subsequent phases. Approximately 55 stores are expected to re-open in the second wave on May 1. The remaining stores will open through early June, leading up to a grand opening celebration that will take place across all stores this fall announced the new owners.
Variety’s acquisition of Big Lots! stores marks a significant expansion for the company, further solidifying its position as a leading discount retailer, the company said. Variety’s portfolio currently includes the Roses, Roses Express and Maxway banners.
Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers said: "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.
"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.”
In addition to the initial nine locations listed below, Variety plans to reopen Big Lots stores in North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and West Virginia - with plans to also open locations in other states.
Here are the Big Lots stores that will be opening in April:
- Mount Sterling, Ky.;
- Metairie, La.;
- Tupelo, Miss.;
- Pearl, Miss.;
- Asheboro, N.C.;
- Dickson, Tenn.;
- Gallatin, Tenn.;
- Clarksville, Tenn.; and
- Roanoke, Va.