The retail landscape in Calvert County has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. You’ve probably seen the headlines or heard the rumors swirling around the Fox Run Shopping Center. Everyone is asking the same thing: is the Big Lots Prince Frederick location actually closing for good?
Honestly, the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no." While the national news about the company has been pretty grim—bankruptcy filings, failed sales, and massive liquidation announcements—the situation on the ground in Prince Frederick has its own unique set of twists. If you're looking for that specific rug or a deal on a new sofa, you need to know what's actually happening before you make the drive.
The Reality of Big Lots Prince Frederick and the Bankruptcy Wave
It’s no secret that Big Lots, Inc. has been struggling. In late 2024, the company hit a wall, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after reporting massive losses. They basically said that high inflation and a pullback in consumer spending on "big-ticket" items—like that patio furniture everyone loves—hit them where it hurts.
For a while, the Big Lots Prince Frederick store was one of the "survivors." When the company first started hacking away at its underperforming locations in mid-2024, sites like Lexington Park and Laurel were immediately on the chopping block. Prince Frederick stayed on the "open" list for months.
However, things took a sharp turn in December 2024. A planned sale to Nexus Capital Management fell through, which triggered a massive announcement: "Going Out of Business" sales would begin at nearly all remaining 900+ locations across the country.
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Why the Maryland Stores are in Flux
Maryland has been hit hard by these shifts. At the start of the bankruptcy, the state had over 20 stores. As of early 2026, the inventory has been picked over, and many leases have been put up for sale.
- The Fox Run Factor: The Prince Frederick location, situated at 700 Prince Frederick Blvd, only opened its doors in early 2022. It was a fresh addition to the community, taking over a significant footprint in the Fox Run Shopping Center.
- Variety Wholesalers: Here is where it gets interesting. A company called Variety Wholesalers (the folks behind Roses and Maxway) stepped in to buy a chunk of Big Lots stores. They’ve been working to keep between 200 and 400 locations open under the Big Lots brand.
- The Liquidation Phase: Even if a store is saved, it often has to go through a "clearing out" phase. You might see those bright yellow "Everything Must Go" signs even if the store is destined to be rebranded or refreshed.
What You’ll Actually Find In-Store Right Now
If you walk into the Big Lots Prince Frederick today, don't expect the pristine aisles of 2022. It’s a bit chaotic. Liquidators have a very specific way of doing things. They start with small discounts—maybe 10% or 20% off—and then ramp it up as the weeks go by.
You’ve got to be careful with the "deals," though.
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Often, the initial liquidation prices are actually higher than the old sale prices. It’s a classic retail trick. But if you’re hunting for furniture, that’s where the real movement is. The Prince Frederick store was always known for having a decent Broyhill section. Right now, those big pieces are the main attraction for local bargain hunters.
Expert Tip: Check the return policy before you tap your card. During "Going Out of Business" sales, almost everything is Final Sale. If that couch doesn't fit through your front door, you're basically stuck with a very expensive porch ornament.
Why This Particular Location Matters to Calvert County
Prince Frederick isn't exactly a retail mecca. We don't have a million options for affordable home goods without driving up to Annapolis or down to Waldorf. When Big Lots Prince Frederick opened, it filled a massive gap. It was the place where you’d grab cheap snacks for a road trip or a last-minute Christmas tree.
The loss of a "big box" anchor like this ripples through the whole shopping center. If Big Lots leaves a vacuum in Fox Run, it affects the foot traffic for everyone else nearby. Local residents have expressed a lot of frustration on community boards, mostly because this store was so new. It barely had a chance to get its roots down before the corporate office started folding.
The "New" Big Lots: Will It Stay?
There is a slim chance that the Prince Frederick location could be one of the "reopened" stores under the new ownership of Variety Wholesalers. They’ve been targeting Mid-Atlantic stores because they already have a strong distribution network in this region.
But as of January 2026, the official status remains "liquidating."
Most of these stores are expected to finish their final sales by the end of the first quarter of 2026. If the lease isn't picked up by a new operator, the lights will go out for good. It’s a bit of a waiting game.
Actionable Steps for Local Shoppers
- Stop Tracking Rewards: If you have Big Lots rewards points or "Big Bucks," use them immediately. Once a store hits the final stages of liquidation, those loyalty programs usually vanish into thin air.
- Inspect Everything: Since liquidators bring in outside merchandise to fill gaps, not everything in the store is "original" Big Lots stock. Check for damage, missing hardware, or scuffs.
- Negotiate (Maybe): While the floor staff usually can't change prices, if you’re looking at a floor model with a visible scratch, ask for the manager. In the final days of a closing sale, they are often more motivated to move the heavy stuff.
- Monitor the Lease: Keep an eye on local Calvert County zoning and business permits. If a new tenant like a gym or a different discount chain signs on, it’ll show up there first.
Basically, the era of Big Lots as we knew it in Southern Maryland is over. Whether it returns as a "Zombie Big Lots" under new management or becomes a completely different store remains to be seen. For now, if you want a deal, get down to Fox Run before the shelves are completely bare.
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To stay ahead of the next big retail shift in Calvert County, you should check the local property tax records for the Fox Run Shopping Center to see who is actually holding the lease for that 35,000-square-foot space. Shopping around at the Waldorf or Easton locations might give you a better selection if the Prince Frederick shelves look too thin.