If you’ve driven down Boston Street lately looking for that massive orange sign, you probably noticed things look a little different. For years, the Big Lots Lynn MA location at 126 Boston St. was a local staple. It was the kind of place where you’d walk in for a single pack of sponges and somehow leave with a patio set, three bags of off-brand pretzels, and a seasonal gnome you didn’t know you needed.
But things changed fast.
The retail world isn't always kind, and the Lynn store became a casualty of a massive corporate restructuring that shook the discount retail industry to its core. Honestly, it's kinda sad to see a big empty shell where people used to hunt for bargains, but the story behind why it closed—and what's coming next—is actually pretty interesting.
The Downfall of Big Lots Lynn MA
The store didn't just close on a whim. Big Lots, the national chain based in Ohio, had been struggling for a while. By late 2024, the company was drowning in debt and dealing with what experts call "the retail apocalypse." Basically, high inflation meant people weren't buying as much "extra" stuff like furniture or home decor, which were the store's big money-makers.
In September 2024, Big Lots officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At first, they hoped to sell the whole company and keep most stores open. That didn't quite pan out. By October 2024, the Big Lots Lynn MA location was officially added to the "closing" list.
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You might remember the "Going Out of Business" signs. They were everywhere. For a few weeks, the aisles were a chaotic mess of 30% to 70% off stickers. People were grabbing everything from Broyhill sofas to half-empty boxes of holiday lights. By the time the dust settled in early 2025, the doors were locked for good.
Why This Specific Store Mattered
For Lynn residents, this wasn't just another corporate closure. It was one of the few places in the immediate area where you could get decent furniture without having to trek all the way to a high-end showroom or a massive mall.
- Location: Sitting right near the Saugus line, it was easy to get to.
- Variety: They had a weirdly specific mix of groceries and high-end mattresses.
- The Vibe: It had that "treasure hunt" feel that most modern stores have lost.
A lot of long-time shoppers were pretty vocal about the loss on local forums. Some complained about the quality dip toward the end—honestly, the store did feel a bit "tired" in its final years—but most people just missed having a cheap place to browse.
The Real Reason Behind the Lynn Exit
It wasn't just the bankruptcy. Even though the company was failing nationally, some stores were more "underperforming" than others. The Lynn site faced stiff competition from places like Market Basket for groceries and the various discount shops along Route 1. When the corporate office started looking at lease costs versus profit margins, the 126 Boston St. location simply didn't make the cut.
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What’s Taking Over the 126 Boston St. Space?
Here is the news most people have been waiting for. The space won't stay empty forever. In early 2025, it was announced that Aldi, the fan-favorite discount grocer, had purchased the lease for the former Big Lots.
Aldi picked up a package of nine store leases across the country during the bankruptcy auctions, and Lynn was one of them. For anyone who loved the bargain aspect of Big Lots, this is actually a win. Aldi is known for being incredibly efficient and cheap.
The space is roughly 30,000 square feet, which is a bit large for a standard Aldi, so they might split the space or have a particularly massive "Aisle of Shame" (that middle aisle where they sell the weird seasonal stuff).
Where to Find Bargains Now?
If you're still looking for that Big Lots experience, your options are getting slim. Most of the Massachusetts locations have either closed or are in the process of being rebranded.
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If you really need a closeout fix, you've basically got two choices nearby:
- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet: These guys have been swooping in and taking over old Big Lots locations. They haven't landed in Lynn yet, but they are expanding fast in the Northeast.
- Ocean State Job Lot: Still the king of random New England bargains. They offer a very similar "treasure hunt" experience, though their furniture selection isn't usually as big as Big Lots was.
Moving Forward in Lynn
The loss of Big Lots Lynn MA marks the end of an era for the Boston Street shopping center, but the arrival of Aldi signals a shift toward more sustainable, high-traffic retail. It's a bummer to lose a place where you could buy a couch and a gallon of milk in one go, but that's just how the retail cycle works these days.
If you’re still holding onto a Big Lots gift card, check their website immediately. During bankruptcy, there are very strict windows for when you can use them before they become worthless pieces of plastic.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Remaining Stores: If you need specific Big Lots brands like Broyhill, look for the few remaining open stores in the region before they fully liquidate, though most are now gone.
- Monitor Aldi Opening: Keep an eye on local Lynn city permits for the official "Grand Opening" date of the new grocery store at 126 Boston St.
- Furniture Alternatives: For those who relied on Big Lots for mattresses, check out local discount furniture outlets in Saugus or Peabody, which often carry the same liquidator stock.