Is it still open? That’s the first thing everyone asks. If you’ve driven down East Innes Street lately, you might have done a double-take or wondered if the orange-and-white signs were coming down for good. Honestly, following the news about Big Lots in Salisbury NC over the last year has been like watching a soap opera where the lead actor keeps getting "killed off" only to show up in the next scene with a bandage on their head.
The chaos started back in late 2024. Headlines were screaming about bankruptcy and "going out of business" sales. For a minute there, it really looked like our local spot at 711 E Innes St was headed for the graveyard of retail giants, right alongside the ghosts of Sears and Kmart. But here’s the thing—the story didn't end with a "closed" sign.
The Salisbury Rollercoaster: Why the Store Stayed Put
If you’re confused about whether you can still go buy a 12-pack of off-brand soda and a patio set in the same trip, the short answer is: yes.
While hundreds of stores nationwide were liquidated, the Big Lots in Salisbury NC was one of the survivors. It basically got a second lease on life when the company was sold during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. First, it was supposed to be Nexus Capital Management taking over. Then, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners stepped in. But for locals, the biggest shift came when Variety Wholesalers—the folks who run Roses and Bargain Town—entered the chat.
There was a lot of back-and-forth in the court filings. For a while, the store’s lease was actually listed for sale. Talk about a nail-biter. Imagine working there and seeing your building’s lease up for auction while you're trying to stock the shelves. However, as of early 2026, the Salisbury location is listed as active and operational. It’s part of a "new era" for the brand, though if you walk inside, it might feel a little different than it did three years ago.
What’s Actually Different Inside?
The "New Big Lots" isn't exactly the "Old Big Lots."
One of the biggest gripes from long-time shoppers is the shift in what’s on the shelves. For a decade, people went to Big Lots specifically for the furniture. It was that sweet spot where you could get a Serta mattress or a Broyhill sectional without needing a second mortgage.
Lately, though, the layout has been morphing. You’ve probably noticed more racks of apparel and fewer massive displays of recliners. Some folks hate it. One local reviewer recently vented that the furniture section felt "gutted" to make room for rows of what they called "boring clothing." It’s sort of becoming a hybrid between a traditional Big Lots and a Roses store.
- Furniture is still there, but the selection is tighter. You’re more likely to see "extreme value" pieces rather than the high-end stuff they used to stock.
- The Food Aisles are still a weird and wonderful mix of name brands and stuff you’ve never seen before. It’s still the best place in Rowan County to find a 48-ounce jar of pickles for three bucks.
- Seasonal is King. Whether it’s plastic skeletons in September or those giant inflatable Santas, they haven't given up on the holiday rush.
The Bankruptcy Hangover
We should talk about the "scam" rumors for a second. If you look at online reviews from 2025, you’ll see some pretty angry people. Most of these complaints didn't actually happen at the Salisbury store—they happened online.
When the company was in the middle of the ownership handoff, their e-commerce system basically face-planted. People were ordering couches online, getting charged, and then... nothing. No couch. No refund. Just an automated email saying "tracking coming soon."
If you're shopping in Salisbury, you're mostly safe from that drama. The golden rule right now? Buy it in person. If you can’t touch the box and put it in your trunk, maybe wait until the corporate dust completely settles. The staff at the East Innes location have been through the ringer, and most regulars say they’re doing an "excellent job given the circumstances," but they can't fix a broken corporate website from a register in North Carolina.
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Fast Facts for the Salisbury Shopper:
- Location: 711 E Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144.
- Phone: 704-633-0058 (Always call before driving from China Grove or Spencer if you’re looking for a specific big-ticket item).
- Best Time to Go: Weekdays before 11:00 AM. The parking lot at that shopping center can get surprisingly hectic on Saturday afternoons.
Is the Quality Still the Same?
This is where things get subjective. The new owners are leaning hard into the "extreme value" model. In retail speak, that means they’re looking for closeouts, overstocks, and liquidations from other brands.
This is a return to their roots, actually. In the 90s, Big Lots (or Odd Lots/Pic 'N' Pay) was a treasure hunt. You never knew what you’d find. Then they tried to become a "real" furniture store, which is part of what got them into financial trouble. Now, the Salisbury store is heading back toward that "treasure hunt" vibe.
You might find a high-end air fryer for $40 one week and nothing but generic socks the next. It makes the store more fun for some, but frustrating for people who want a consistent shopping list.
Moving Forward: How to Shop Big Lots Now
If you want to make the most of Big Lots in Salisbury NC, you have to change your strategy. Don’t go there expecting a curated boutique experience. Go there with an open mind and a sharp eye for labels.
Check the labels on the furniture. If you’re buying a couch, look at the manufacturer. Some of the newer "house brands" are definitely lighter and less durable than the old Broyhill stuff. Sit on it. Bounce a little. Don't just look at the price tag.
Watch the rewards program. The "Big Rewards" program actually survived the bankruptcy, which is rare. You can still earn points, but keep your receipts. With the management transitions, sometimes those points don't sync up correctly. Having that paper trail is your best defense if a discount doesn't trigger at the register.
Inspect the packaging. Especially with the "extreme value" items, boxes can be beat up. Make sure all the parts are actually inside before you leave the parking lot. It’s way easier to swap a box while you’re still at the store than it is to drive back from Gold Hill because you're missing a screw for a bookshelf.
The Big Lots in Salisbury has survived a retail apocalypse that claimed nearly 1,000 other stores. It’s a bit of a miracle it’s still standing. Whether it stays that way depends on how well the new Variety Wholesalers management understands the Rowan County crowd. For now, it remains the go-to spot for anyone who needs a rug, a snack, and a new set of patio chairs without spending their entire paycheck.
Your Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, skip the website for now. Drive over to East Innes, check the "Clearance" section in the back right corner first—that's where the real bankruptcy-era liquidations are still hiding—and always test any electronics at the front of the store before you head home. If you're looking for furniture, ask the manager specifically if they have any "old stock" Broyhill left in the back; sometimes those pieces are still tucked away at a massive discount.