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?
