Honestly, if you walked past a Big Lots last year, it probably looked like the end of an era. "Going Out of Business" banners were basically the store’s new wallpaper. For a while, the vibe was pretty bleak. The 2024 bankruptcy filing wasn't just corporate paperwork; it was a massive signal that the "treasure hunt" was over for thousands of shoppers. But here’s the thing—retail is weird. Just when everyone was ready to write the final obituary for the closeout giant, a massive pivot happened.
The news is out. Big Lots store reopenings locations are popping up across the map, thanks to a deal that essentially pulled the brand out of the fire. Variety Wholesalers, the company that runs Roses and Bargain Town, stepped in and grabbed a massive chunk of the footprint. We aren't talking about a couple of stores. We're talking about roughly 219 locations that were saved from the scrap heap.
If you thought your favorite spot was gone for good, you might want to double-check the parking lot.
The Big Lots Store Reopenings Locations List: Where is it Happening?
It wasn't a "one-and-done" situation. The comeback has been rolling out in waves. The first group of stores actually started popping back up in April 2025, mostly in the South. Then May hit, and another 132 stores flicked the lights back on. By June, the final major wave of the initial 219-store plan was completed.
North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are the big winners here. Those states have the highest density of these "zombie" stores coming back to life. But the list is surprisingly diverse.
Alabama saw action in:
- Guntersville (Hwy 431)
- Cullman (Town Square SW)
- Jasper (Hwy 78 W)
- Northport (McFarland Blvd)
Florida’s comeback spots include:
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- Jacksonville (Merrill Rd)
- Ormond Beach (S. Nova Rd)
- Spring Hill (Commercial Way)
- Marianna (Hwy 90)
Georgia is back in the game with:
- Dallas (Merchants Square)
- Smyrna (S. Cobb Dr)
- Vidalia (E. 1st St)
- Covington (Hwy 278 NW)
Ohio, the home turf for Big Lots, basically refused to let the brand die. You’ve got stores in Columbus (Winchester Pike and West Broad), Toledo, Grove City, and Lancaster all back in business. It’s kinda surreal to see these places shuttered and then suddenly restocked with furniture and snacks three months later.
What actually changed inside?
You’re probably wondering if it’s the same old Big Lots. Well, yes and no. Variety Wholesalers knows the discount game. They didn't just buy the signs; they tweaked the strategy.
The "new" Big Lots is leaning way harder into apparel. You’ll see way more clothes for the family than you used to. They are also moving away from the heavy focus on massive furniture sets that took up half the floor. They still have some, but the focus is back on the "extreme value" stuff—pantry staples, home decor, and brand-name closeouts that make you feel like you won at shopping.
They also ditched most of the perishable food. No more wandering past a refrigerated section that felt a little out of place. It’s leaner now.
The Bankruptcy Rollercoaster: How We Got Here
To understand why some stores are reopening while others are becoming Ross Dress For Less or Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, you have to look at the mess that was 2024.
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Big Lots was hit by a perfect storm. Inflation made people stop buying $800 patio sets. The housing market slowed down, which meant fewer people needed to furnish new apartments. By the time they filed for Chapter 11 in September 2024, they were bleeding cash. They actually planned to close about 300 stores, then it jumped to 500, and by December, there was a terrifying moment where it looked like every store was closing.
Then Variety Wholesalers entered the chat.
They didn't want the whole company. They wanted the profitable bones. They picked the locations with the best lease terms and the most loyal foot traffic. If your local Big Lots didn't make the cut, it’s likely because the rent was too high or the "big box" rivals across the street were just too dominant.
Why some locations stayed dead
It’s a bummer, but not every store got a miracle. In places like California, the footprint got decimated. Why? High operating costs. It’s hard to run a discount model when the rent and labor costs are through the roof.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet actually swooped in and bought dozens of Big Lots leases. If you see a building being painted bright yellow with a cartoon of a guy in a suit, that’s where your Big Lots used to be. Ross Dress For Less took over others, like the one in Poughkeepsie, New York.
The "New" Big Lots Strategy for 2026
Moving forward, the goal isn't just survival—it's staying relevant. The company is trying to recapture the "treasure hunt" magic that made them famous in the 90s.
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- Extreme Bargains: They are hunting for more "overstock" deals from big brands.
- Private Labels: Expect more of their own brands in the home and kitchen aisles.
- Local Focus: The stores are being managed with a bit more local flavor, trying to fit into the community rather than being a cookie-cutter corporate box.
Lisa Seigies, the CEO of Variety Wholesalers, has been pretty vocal about this. She’s essentially betting that people still want to touch and feel products before they buy them, especially when they can get them for 40% less than a big-box competitor.
Practical Steps for Shoppers
If you’re looking to find out if your local spot is part of the Big Lots store reopenings locations list, don't just trust a Google Maps pin. Sometimes they aren't updated.
- Check the Website: The Big Lots store locator is finally reflecting the "Variety-owned" stores.
- Watch the Signage: Most reopening stores had a "Soft Opening" phase with big banners before the official "Grand Opening" celebrations.
- Sign up for the Rewards: The Big Lots Big Rewards program still works, and they’ve been sending out "We’re Back" coupons to residents near reopened stores.
It’s a weird time for retail. One day a store is a ghost town, the next it's hiring 30 people and stocking the shelves with name-brand cereal and throw pillows.
If you live in North Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia, your chances of seeing a reopening are pretty high. If you're in a high-rent urban center, you're probably looking at a vacant lot or a new gym. That’s just the reality of the 2026 retail landscape.
The best thing you can do is visit your local store if it’s open. The "use it or lose it" rule has never been more real for discount retailers. If the foot traffic doesn't stay up, these reopenings could be a short-lived experiment. But for now, the "Lots" is back in Big Lots.
Check your local community Facebook groups or the official store locator to see the current status of the Big Lots nearest to you. If your store is on the list, look out for "re-opening" coupons that usually offer a significant discount to welcome back the neighborhood.