Variety Wholesalers reopens Big Lots stores in multiple states

In the United States, Variety Wholesalers has initiated a plan to reopen a fraction of the Big Lots stores it acquired. On Thursday, nine locations across Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are part of the first wave of openings. This move follows a sale agreement after Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the fall of 2023 due to various economic pressures, including high inflation and changing consumer spending habits. Variety Wholesalers aims to remodel these stores and offer new merchandise categories, promising an exciting return for customers. The company is planning multiple waves of store openings, with a total of 55 additional stores scheduled to open by May 1. After the initial wave, the subsequent openings will continue through early June, culminating in a grand celebration in the fall. This gradual rollout reflects a strategy to serve communities effectively while enhancing the shopping experience in the stores with improvements and new products over time. Additionally, there is anticipation of further expansion with locations in North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina to follow in future waves. The backdrop to this reopening effort stems from Big Lots' struggles in the retail market, leading to its bankruptcy. Facing adverse challenges from the economy, the retailer sought restructuring and a sale. Variety Wholesalers, having acquired a total of 219 Big Lots locations, aims to revitalize the brand while adapting to current consumer demands and preferences. In conjunction with this reopening initiative, Variety Wholesalers' CEO Lisa Seigies expressed enthusiasm about reintroducing the Big Lots brand while understanding that the initial openings may not be perfect. The company seeks to enhance the shopping experience progressively, ensuring that customers eventually enjoy an improved variety of products and an inviting shopping atmosphere. These developments represent a significant effort to reinvigorate a once-popular retail chain and address challenges faced in the modern retail landscape.