Business

National discount retailer that shuttered all stores to reopen some KY locations

After filing for bankruptcy in September, and a later sale to another retail company, Big Lots national discount chain will reopen stores in several states, including Kentucky, in the coming months.

Following the bankruptcy filing last year, Big Lots shuttered multiple locations in the commonwealth, including one in Lexington, as part of a complete shutdown nationwide. The Lexington store closure resulted in the loss of 15 to 20 workers, an employee told the Herald-Leader in December, and came during the busy 2024 holiday retail season.

Now, North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers, which operates other discount stores including Roses, will begin a wider rollout to reopen Big Lots locations in several states, the company announced in an April 4 release.

Discount retailer Big Lots, like the one seen in this file photo, filed for bankruptcy in September 2024.
Discount retailer Big Lots, like the one seen in this file photo, filed for bankruptcy in September 2024. Becky Purser The Telegraph

Among the “first wave” of reopenings is a Big Lots location in Mount Sterling at 1342 Indian Mound Drive, opened April 10.

‘We’re thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family,” Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, stated in the release. “We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community. We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build towards the grand opening celebration in the fall. Every time a customer visits Big Lots! we want them to find something new and exciting!”

Four other Kentucky Big Lots locations are set to open in May as part of the second wave, though the Lexington store previously at 820 Lane Allen Road is not on the list.

The reopening locations include:

  • Elizabethtown: 200 Sycamore St., Suite 151
  • Richmond: 472 Eastern Bypass
  • Danville: 1714 Perryville Road, Suite 400
  • Glasgow: 942 Happy Valley Road

In all, Variety Wholesalers is set to reopen 219 Big Lots stores nationwide by June.

Do you have a question about business in Kentucky for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.

JS
Jackie Starkey
Lexington Herald-Leader
Jackie Starkey is a former journalist for the Herald-Leader
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