Big Lots Reopening 132 Stores in May 2025 – Full List & What’s Changing Inside

Big Lots is coming back. After filing for bankruptcy last year, the discount chain is reopening 132 stores across 14 states in May 2025. It’s a big move after Variety Wholesalers, based in Henderson, North Carolina, bought 219 Big Lots locations in January.

They tested the waters by opening 9 stores in April. The response was solid. So now they’re rolling out more — in two waves.

May 1 – 54 stores
May 15 – 78 more stores

The name’s the same. But inside, things are going to look a little different.

What’s Changing Inside Big Lots Stores?

The new Big Lots stores will be simpler. Furniture sections are getting smaller. Clothing sections are growing. And fresh food? Gone.

No more frozen meals or perishable groceries. Stores will now offer only snacks and shelf-stable drinks. That’s a big shift from what they planned before bankruptcy, when they talked about expanding groceries.

Modern Retail reported that Variety Wholesalers hasn’t said if more food items will return in the future. So for now, it’s back to basics.

What Did The CEO Say?

Lisa Seigies, the CEO, kept it short and clear. She said:

“The Big Lots stores opening in May show our continued commitment to providing the best value.”

Lisa is 52 years old. She’s been in the retail game for over 20 years. Her net worth is not public, but industry sources guess it’s somewhere between $5 to $10 million based on her position.

Where Are the Stores Reopening?

Here’s the full list of states and cities where Big Lots is reopening in May:

Alabama

Athens, Decatur, Dothan, Guntersville, Jasper, Mobile, Northport

Florida

Crystal River, Jacksonville, Marianna, Ormond Beach, Panama City

Georgia

Augusta, Brunswick, Buford, Cornelia, Dallas, Fort Oglethorpe, Marietta, Smyrna, Valdosta, Vidalia, Waycross

Indiana

Jasper

Kentucky

Campbellsville, Danville, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Hazard, London, Middlesboro, Richmond, Somerset

Michigan

Burton, Flint, Port Huron, Shelby Township, Southgate

Mississippi

Southaven

North Carolina

Belmont, Burlington, Clemmons, Dunn, Elizabeth City, Elkin, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Kinston, Lexington, Lincolnton, Mocksville, Mooresville, Mount Airy, Newton, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Selma, Shelby, Southport, Statesville, Wake Forest, Wilkesboro, Wilson

Ohio

Alliance, Boardman, Bridgeport, Columbus, Elyria, Fremont, Grove City, Kettering, Lancaster, New Philadelphia, Reynoldsburg, Toledo, Warren, Wintersville

Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Du Bois, Dunmore, East Stroudsburg, Erie, Eynon, Franklin, Lehighton, Lewisburg, Meadville, New Castle

South Carolina

Easley, Greenwood, Lexington, Rock Hill, Seneca, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, West Columbia

Tennessee

Alcoa, Cleveland, Greeneville, Jefferson City, Johnson City, Knoxville, Morristown, Murfreesboro, Rogersville, Sevierville

Virginia

Chesapeake, Chester, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Martinsville, North Chesterfield, North Prince George, Waynesboro, Winchester, Yorktown

West Virginia

Beckley, Bridgeport, Charleston, Elkins, Fairmont, Martinsburg, Oak Hill, Princeton

Is Big Lots Going To Stay Open This Time?

That’s the question. This new version of Big Lots is leaner. No risky food departments. More focus on basics — clothes, snacks, small home goods.

It looks like Variety Wholesalers is going for stability over flash. That might be smart. Big Lots still has a loyal following. People love a good deal, especially now.

Final Take

Big Lots isn’t just reopening stores. It’s trying to rebuild trust. This new wave of 132 stores could be a fresh start. They’re opening in May, just in time for summer shopping.

Keep an eye out — a store near you might be coming back to life.

Want to know if a Big Lots is opening near your city next month?

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