In a surprising but welcome turn of events, popular discount retailer Big Lots is set to make a strong comeback after filing for bankruptcy just months ago. The chain, which had vanished entirely after shuttering all of its stores, will reopen approximately 200 locations across 13 states, including 12 in Georgia.
Thanks to a restructuring deal orchestrated by Variety Wholesalers Inc., Big Lots is about to reenter the market with a leaner, revitalized business model and a renewed focus on serving communities looking for value-driven shopping experiences. The grand reopening rollout is scheduled to begin on April 10, with most stores expected to be operational by June 2025.
From Shutdown to Resurgence: A Quick Turnaround
Big Lots’ bankruptcy in September 2024 sent shockwaves through the retail industry. Once a staple for affordable home goods, furniture, snacks, and seasonal items, the company had grown to nearly 1,400 locations nationwide before its financial troubles forced a gradual shutdown.
The final four stores officially closed over the past weekend, marking the end of an era—or so it seemed.
Enter Variety Wholesalers Inc., the parent company of several successful discount brands such as Roses, Maxway, and Super Dollar. Following an acquisition by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners in January 2025, Big Lots’ store operations were handed over to Variety Wholesalers, with a new strategy in place: focus on quality over quantity.
The plan includes reopening around 200 of the chain’s best-performing and strategically located stores. The goal? Revive the Big Lots brand with fewer, more profitable outlets, better inventory management, and enhanced customer service.
“We believe in the Big Lots brand and its potential,” said a spokesperson from Variety Wholesalers. “Our priority is to reopen locations where communities genuinely relied on the store. Georgia is a perfect example of that.”
Georgia Stores: A Key Part of the Revival
Georgia is at the heart of Big Lots’ return strategy. The company has confirmed 13 store reopenings in Georgia, highlighting the state as a crucial market.
Here are the confirmed Georgia locations scheduled to reopen:
- Brunswick – 4420 Altama Ave. Ste. C2
- Buford – 4125 Highway 20, Ste. A-2
- Cornelia – 323 Habersham Village Cir.
- Covington – 3111 Highway 278 NW
- Dallas – 260 Merchants Square
- Fort Oglethorpe – 558 Battlefield Pkwy.
- LaGrange – 127 Commerce Ave.
- Marietta – 2932 Canton Rd. Ste. 210
- Statesboro – 13 Lester Rd Ste. C
- Smyrna – 3791 S. Cobb Dr. SE, Ste G
- Valdosta – 110 E Northside Dr.
- Vidalia – 2305 E 1st St.
- Waycross – 1803 Knight Ave Ste A2
These communities, many of which had few alternatives for affordable household items, have expressed enthusiasm at the return of Big Lots.
“We were so disappointed when our store closed,” said a resident of Statesboro. “I can’t wait to walk back through those doors.”
With rising inflation and a growing demand for budget-friendly retail options, the timing for Big Lots’ comeback could not be better. Industry experts note that the company’s brand equity remains strong among value-conscious consumers.
A New Chapter Under Variety Wholesalers
Though the number of stores is smaller, the mission behind Big Lots remains familiar: offer customers great products at unbeatable prices. But the new ownership under Variety Wholesalers brings fresh energy and a commitment to operational efficiency that could give Big Lots the competitive edge it needs to thrive once again.
Variety Wholesalers is known for successfully managing discount retail outlets, especially in small to mid-size towns. Their leadership brings years of experience in serving underserved markets, an area where Big Lots has historically found success.
Under this new structure, shoppers can expect:
- Wider variety of home goods and essentials
- Streamlined inventory to focus on popular, fast-moving items
- Local hiring efforts to bring jobs back to communities
- More in-store promotions and seasonal deals
The company is also exploring online and click-to-pickup features, something that was underdeveloped in the previous Big Lots model.
“We’re looking at both the in-store and digital experience to make sure our customers get value however they choose to shop,” said a representative from Variety Wholesalers.
While Big Lots’ previous struggles were tied to inventory mismanagement and high overheads, the new ownership structure is expected to curb these issues and focus on sustainable, long-term growth.
What This Means for Shoppers and the Retail Landscape
The reopening of Big Lots stores in Georgia is more than just a business move—it’s a symbol of resilience and a sign that brick-and-mortar retail still has a place in modern America, especially when driven by smart strategy and community focus.
For customers, the return of Big Lots means:
- Increased access to affordable goods in local neighborhoods
- Re-employment opportunities for former staff and new hires
- A return to a familiar, trusted shopping experience
Retail experts suggest that this comeback could set a precedent for other struggling brands to pursue well-planned, scaled-down relaunches instead of shutting down entirely.
As one shopper in Marietta said,
“Big Lots closing felt like losing a piece of our town. I’m so happy to see it making a return.”
Your Turn
Are you excited about the reopening of Big Lots in Georgia? Did you miss shopping there? What do you think of the new owners’ revival plan?
Leave your thoughts in the comments and share this article with your friends and family who love discount shopping!
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Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
