Big Lots is making a comeback in 2025, with 70 stores reopening in more than a dozen states across America. This expansion is partially due to new ownership – Variety Wholesalers.
After filing for bankruptcy, over 200 Big Lots stores were acquired by Variety Wholesalers, which is pushing the brand back into the limelight with new inventory, expanded product lines such as new clothing departments, and a new focus on value. This could put Big Lots back into relevance with affordable fashion becoming a component of its stores.
The reopening of the stores is scheduled in batches through May and June. This aggressive strategy just may pay off for the once bankrupted brand, and give loyal and displaced consumers a sigh of relief.
A Revival
Big Lots’ revival is due to Variety Wholesalers, which acquired 219 stores and two distribution centers. The company is bringing Big Lots back decisively and making improvements while doing so.
The plan is to open 123 in May alone to bring displaced customers back after the fall of Big Lots led to a gap in the market.
New Locations
New stores will start to pop up across the United States. The first states to see them will include North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky.
These focused regions have a population that values good deals, so it is only natural that the reemergence of Big Lots will start in these states. Alabama cities include: Athens, Decatur, Dothan, and Mobile. Many cities in Florida will see new Big Lots stores, including Jacksonville, Crystal River, and Panama City.
Big Lots will open up in the cities of Greensboro, Fayetteville, Hickory, Wilson, and Burlington, just to name a few in North Carolina. Some of Ohio’s cities will be Columbus, Toledo, Elyria, and Kettering. Pennsylvania’s York, Bloomsburg, and Erie will also see a new Big Lots opening. Many other states and cities will see more stores and Big Lots expands this month and in early June.
Good For Shoppers
Big Lots has always offered discounted prices on essential goods, which is important for budget-minded individuals and families who need to watch their expenditures.
Expanding departments to include clothing means that customers can find more items all in one place, adding more convenience and providing budget-oriented individuals a way to express their fashion tastes and individuality. Depending on department expansion, Big Lots could be the next affordable fashion hub.
Boosting The Economy
Big Lots’ opening won’t just be a good thing for shoppers, but also for the local economy. 200 stores will supercharge local economies as people become employed at these locations.
The stores will also bring more shopping options to towns that lack variety and where similar stores lack competition. This will increase community activity and attract more consumers to strip malls and shopping centers, aiding in foot traffic for other businesses.
Changing The Retail Trend
In recent months, there is a trend where many retail stores are downscaling, closing stores and or cutting back expansion. This creates gaps in the market where consumers have fewer options to choose from.
With Big Lots expanding rapidly, new locations will give shoppers a wide variety of items to choose from. Physical discount stores are important in areas where online shopping may not be easily accessible or impossible altogether.
Using Experience
It’s no coincidence that the expansion has happened after Variety Wholesaler’s acquisition of hundreds of stores and distribution centers. The company operates 400 of its own stores and is using its experience to apply it to the new Big Lots stores.
This helps Big Lots, as they will have more resources and experience backing it compared to competitors like Dollar General and Family Dollar.
The Discount Retail Market
The rapid expansion of Big Lots stores could have an impact on the discount retail market, where competition breeds innovation. Many other competitors may have to adjust their prices or open new product ranges to compete with Big Lots muscling in.
This could be a good thing for consumers, leading to better prices and more options available.
Mirroring Other Businesses
The comeback that Big Lots is achieving mirrors previous companies’ revitalization efforts. Target and Walmart grew by switching up their strategies and focusing more on customer needs.
Big Lots coming back could be a signal to all consumers that their expectations might be met on an entirely new scale, as struggling retailers often listen to customer feedback.
Analytics
Reopening stores without an idea of what works would lead to a monumental failure, but Big Lots is most likely leveraging data analytics to better understand what consumers want.
In an ever-changing market, it’s important for companies to know how customers’ habits and tastes change over time. Using analytics will help to improve the shopping experience, reduce waste, and make sure everything runs more smoothly.
No New Expansion
Big Lots is saving money by opening stores in existing buildings, meaning that no construction has to take place. This plan also means that there isn’t any environmentally impactful expansion, and existing locations are already part of bustling hubs, so the stores won’t be far out of the way for consumers.
The reduction on building costs also means that products can continue to remain affordable to help those with limited budgets.
Challenges
While the rapid expansion is projected to revitalize Big Lots, there are still challenges, such as too many stores being too close together and the growing popularity of online shopping.
As more Americans look to digital markets, Big Lots may have to make innovations in online storefronts. Their success hinged on a balance between physical locations, digital reach, and being a relevant store to consumers.
A Community Hub
Stores like Big Lots can help contribute to a wider community hub, increasing foot traffic in the areas where the stores are situated.
In smaller towns, these can often become gathering spots, building community connections and increasing the overall foot traffic for many other businesses in the region. If Big Lots can continue to be a part of community hot spots, it will be poised for success.
Urban Renewal
Big Lots reopening in existing buildings could aid in reviving empty retail spaces and support economic growth in cities.
Additionally, with abandoned urban hubs coming back to life, further urban expansion won’t be necessary, having implications for wildlife. The reopening efforts could play a bigger role in community development and urban renewal.
An Optimistic Future
Opening 132 stores in one month is an unusual move even for some of the biggest companies, especially for a business that just came out of bankruptcy.
This move could indicate an optimistic future for Big Lots and its loyal consumers, provided that Big Lots can continue to adapt in an ever-changing market.
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