Big Lots prepares for major store reopenings across the US
By
Veronica E.
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For many shoppers, Big Lots has been a favorite destination for bargain finds—from home goods and furniture to seasonal décor and everyday essentials.
After a period of uncertainty, Big Lots is making moves to reestablish its presence across the country.
With several waves of reopenings already underway and more on the horizon, customers in some states may soon find familiar storefronts welcoming them back.
Big Lots is set to reopen 60 stores across a dozen states on Thursday, May 1.
This effort follows an earlier round of reopenings on April 10, when nine locations resumed operations across six states.
The expansion will continue with another 70 stores expected to reopen on May 15.
Big Lots has indicated that additional openings will roll out into early June, as part of a broader plan to revitalize the brand’s footprint.

The wave of reopenings comes after Big Lots' sale to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.
Following that transaction, Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 stores and two distribution centers, paving the way for the brand’s revival.
According to Variety Wholesalers CEO Lisa Seigies, customers can expect a wide selection of well-known brands, more family apparel options, and the return of Big Lots’ familiar value-oriented shopping experience.
If you live in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia, you may see a Big Lots reopening in your area.
Further details about store locations and future openings are still being finalized.
Big Lots’ transformation is occurring alongside expansion efforts by other discount retailers.
Ocean State Job Lot, based in Rhode Island, announced in March that it had acquired 15 former Big Lots locations in the Northeast.
Similarly, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet revealed plans in February to take over 40 former Big Lots sites.
These moves reflect broader shifts in the retail sector, where discount and value-driven stores are adapting to changing customer demands.
For loyal Big Lots shoppers, the reopenings offer a chance to once again browse aisles filled with bargains and discover new merchandise.
For others, it highlights the evolving nature of retail in communities nationwide.
Read next: Have you heard about this new law? You could be fined up to $250 if you break it!
At The GrayVine, we’d love to hear your experiences. Have you shopped at Big Lots in the past? What are you hoping to find in the newly reopened stores? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below—we look forward to hearing from you!
After a period of uncertainty, Big Lots is making moves to reestablish its presence across the country.
With several waves of reopenings already underway and more on the horizon, customers in some states may soon find familiar storefronts welcoming them back.
Big Lots is set to reopen 60 stores across a dozen states on Thursday, May 1.
This effort follows an earlier round of reopenings on April 10, when nine locations resumed operations across six states.
The expansion will continue with another 70 stores expected to reopen on May 15.
Big Lots has indicated that additional openings will roll out into early June, as part of a broader plan to revitalize the brand’s footprint.

Big Lots is reopening dozens of stores across the US as part of a phased expansion plan following a recent ownership change. Image Source: YouTube / WKYC Channel 3.
A turning point for the brand
The wave of reopenings comes after Big Lots' sale to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.
Following that transaction, Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 stores and two distribution centers, paving the way for the brand’s revival.
According to Variety Wholesalers CEO Lisa Seigies, customers can expect a wide selection of well-known brands, more family apparel options, and the return of Big Lots’ familiar value-oriented shopping experience.
Also read: Big changes in retail could bring new shopping opportunities!
States included in the next reopening phase
If you live in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia, you may see a Big Lots reopening in your area.
Further details about store locations and future openings are still being finalized.
Also read: Is your favorite ‘80s discount chain making a comeback?
Broader changes in the discount retail landscape
Big Lots’ transformation is occurring alongside expansion efforts by other discount retailers.
Ocean State Job Lot, based in Rhode Island, announced in March that it had acquired 15 former Big Lots locations in the Northeast.
Similarly, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet revealed plans in February to take over 40 former Big Lots sites.
These moves reflect broader shifts in the retail sector, where discount and value-driven stores are adapting to changing customer demands.
For loyal Big Lots shoppers, the reopenings offer a chance to once again browse aisles filled with bargains and discover new merchandise.
For others, it highlights the evolving nature of retail in communities nationwide.
Read next: Have you heard about this new law? You could be fined up to $250 if you break it!
Key Takeaways
- Big Lots is reopening 60 stores across 12 US states on May 1, following earlier reopenings in April.
- Store reopenings are occurring in phases after Big Lots' sale to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, with Variety Wholesalers acquiring many locations.
- Another 70 stores are expected to reopen by mid-May, with further openings planned through early June.
- Other discount retailers, including Ocean State Job Lot and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, have acquired former Big Lots locations as part of their own expansions.
At The GrayVine, we’d love to hear your experiences. Have you shopped at Big Lots in the past? What are you hoping to find in the newly reopened stores? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below—we look forward to hearing from you!