Variety Wholesalers, a Henderson, N.C.-based retailer, is set to reopen its first nine Big Lots stores on April 10, following its acquisition of the brand. The stores, which will have soft openings, mark the beginning of the revival of Big Lots under Variety Wholesalers’ ownership. While the Big Lots brand has traditionally been known for its focus on furniture, Variety Wholesalers doesn’t expect to rely heavily on furniture in the initial phase of the store relaunch.
Variety Wholesalers, which operates over 380 stores across the Southeastern U.S. under the banners of Roses, Roses Express, Maxway, Bill’s Dollar Stores, Super 10, Super Dollar, and Bargain Town, acquired Big Lots from Gordon Brothers, who bought the assets out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year.
Jeff King, Variety’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, confirmed that the company plans to open a total of 220 Big Lots stores by June 5, with plans for further expansion. King emphasized that while the company is focusing on growth, the priority is to ensure that each store’s reopening is strategic for success.
The first nine stores under Variety’s ownership will be located in Mt. Sterling, Ky.; Metairie, La.; Tupelo and Pearl, Miss.; Asheboro, N.C.; Clarksville, Gallatin, and Dickson, Tenn.; and Roanoke, Va. These stores had previously closed during the liquidation process. As liquidation sales are completed, further openings will follow, with the second wave expected to begin on May 1 and a third wave anticipated on May 15. The company plans grand openings for all its revived Big Lots locations in October.
Regarding the product assortment, King noted that the Broyhill brand, which was part of the previous Big Lots operation, was not included in the acquisition. Furniture will not be a central focus initially, although the company has left room for adjustments in the future.
Variety Wholesalers’ approach to the revival of Big Lots reflects its focus on strategic growth and adapting to market needs as it reintroduces the brand to consumers.
