In a significant comeback following its bankruptcy filing in 2023, Big Lots is poised for a strong return to the retail scene. With 132 store reopenings planned for May 2025, shoppers in 15 states can expect a reimagined Big Lots experience that emphasizes affordable brand-name apparel, home essentials, and the thrill of the “treasure hunt” shopping model.
The news comes just months after Variety Wholesalers, the parent company of Roses Discount Stores, acquired 219 Big Lots locations from bankruptcy court. Following the positive reception of nine initial store reopenings in April, the company announced two major reopening waves in May: 54 stores on May 1 and the remainder on May 15. Further reopenings are expected in June.
What’s Changing at Big Lots?
Under the stewardship of Lisa Seigies, President and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, Big Lots is undergoing a strategic transformation. Gone are the large furniture displays and perishable food sections that once characterized many of its locations. Instead, the revived Big Lots will focus on:
- Discounted brand-name apparel for the whole family
- Home goods and essentials like rugs, lamps, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies
- Shelf-stable groceries, replacing the previously wide range of perishable food items
- Everyday low prices across departments
According to Seigies, the goal is to restore Big Lots to its roots while appealing to a broader customer base, including middle-income shoppers looking for quality brands at deep discounts. Products from names like Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, and Andrew Marc are expected to appear in stores, offered at competitive prices.
“The Big Lots stores opening in May show our continued commitment to providing the best value to our customers,” said Seigies in a public statement.
Store Locations: Where is Big Lots Reopening?
The reopenings span 14 states across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, with the largest concentration of stores reopening in North Carolina, where Variety Wholesalers is headquartered.
Here are a few examples of cities included in the reopening waves:
- Alabama: Mobile, Athens, Decatur, Guntersville
- Florida: Jacksonville, Marianna, Ormond Beach, Panama City
- Georgia: Augusta, Valdosta, Smyrna, Marietta
- North Carolina: Fayetteville, Greensboro, Wake Forest, Hickory
- Ohio: Columbus, Elyria, Toledo, Warren
- Tennessee: Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Sevierville
- Virginia: Fredericksburg, Chesapeake, Yorktown
- Pennsylvania: Erie, East Stroudsburg, Du Bois
- South Carolina: Spartanburg, Lexington, Greenwood
- West Virginia: Charleston, Beckley, Princeton
For a complete list and interactive map of store reopenings, you can visit the original article on Supermarket News:
👉 Supermarket News – Big Lots Store Reopenings
A New Retail Strategy: The Treasure Hunt Returns
Big Lots’ revised strategy is about more than just inventory changes. Seigies emphasized the return of a “treasure-hunt” atmosphere, which encourages customers to explore stores for surprise bargains and rotating stock.
This approach mirrors successful discount retailers like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and TJ Maxx, which rely on dynamic, ever-changing inventories to draw repeat visits. The idea is to make every store visit an exciting experience, with new deals and brand-name items that may not be available again.
Operational Backbone and Staffing
The revived Big Lots operations will be supported by two distribution centers, located in Newnan, Georgia, and Henderson, North Carolina. Impressively, 65% of the original store employees have been retained, and the company continues to build out its corporate staff to support operations.
Maintaining existing talent and knowledge within stores has helped preserve the Big Lots brand identity, even as the merchandising strategy evolves. “They were so proud of what they did,” Seigies remarked about store teams during liquidation. “We didn’t want to lose that love for the store.”
Vendor Relationships and Community Commitment
One of the key challenges of reviving a bankrupt brand is rebuilding relationships with suppliers. Big Lots had over $66 million in vendor claims prior to its bankruptcy. Seigies noted that Variety’s reputation for financial responsibility has helped restore vendor confidence.
At the heart of Variety’s strategy is a strong community commitment. By reopening stores quickly, retaining staff, and investing in local economies, the company hopes to reestablish Big Lots as a trusted, value-driven retailer across the U.S.
Final Thoughts
The Big Lots revival is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious retail turnarounds of 2025. With new inventory strategies, a revamped shopping experience, and a focus on affordability, the retailer aims to stand out in the competitive discount sector. If early customer reactions are any indication, Big Lots may be on the path to becoming a household favorite once again — one deal at a time.
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