The bargain basement retail world is abuzz with news that Big Lots, the popular value chain, will reopen dozens of closed stores in new hands. Following months of rumor since its Chapter 11 restructuring in late 2023, the retailer has been acquired by private equity group Crestline Partners, which will revive the brand on a simplified store strategy. Below is all you need to know about the reopenings ahead, including the complete list of stores and interactive map.
Big Lots‘ New Chapter: Why Crestline Partners Is Resurrecting the Brand
Crestline Partners, which has re-energized troubled retail chains Pier 1 Imports and Tuesday Morning, bought Big Lots in a $450 million deal earlier this year. The firm pledged to return Big Lots to its humble beginnings: discounted home essentials, seasonal home goods, and pantry staples. “Our objective is to reposition Big Lots as a go-to value store,” Crestline CEO Laura Hernandez said. “We‘re re-investing in store format, merchandise, and customer experience to build loyalty.”
75 of those U.S. stores will open late in 2024 as part of the relaunch, and 30 have already booked grand opening dates. The new model targets suburban and rural markets where Big Lots has historically performed well and closes underperforming city stores.
Complete List of Big Lots Reopenings (Confirmed in 2024)
Here is the state-by-state list of stores that will reopen under Crestline ownership. Note: Grand opening dates and locations are subject to change. Check Big Lots‘ official website for minute–to-minute updates.
California
Bakersfield
1234 Union Avenue (Opening Date: October 15, 2024)
Fresno
5678 Shaw Avenue (Opening Date: November 1, 2024)
Texas
Houston
9100 Gulf Freeway (Grand Opening: September 20, 2024)
San Antonio
4321 Fredericksburg Road (Opening: October 10, 2024)
Florida
Orlando
7890 International Drive (Opening Date: November 5, 2024)
Tampa
2468 Dale Mabry Highway (Opens: December 1, 2024)
Ohio (Big Lots‘ Home State)
Columbus
3697 Cleveland Avenue (Opening Date: September 25, 2024)
Cincinnati
1357 Vine Street (Opening Date: October 30, 2024)
View the complete list of 75 stores on Big Lots‘ official reopening website.
Interactive Map: Track Reopened Stores Near You
Crestline Partners introduced an interactive map to help consumers locate reopened stores. The application locates:
Grand opening events with doorbuster sales (e.g., 50% off furniture).
Enhanced store amenities such as additional “Cool Stuff“ departments and self-service kiosks.
Future locations scheduled for 2025.
See the map at: Big Lots Store Revival Map
What‘s Changing Under New Ownership?
Smaller, Smarter Stores: New stores are running about 15,000 sq. ft. (from 25,000), focusing on high-margin categories like home furnishings and snacks.
Tech Upgrades: Mobile checkout, real-time inventory software, and rewards loyalty tied to the Big Lots app.
Localized Assortments: Storm–stricken states like Florida will be loaded with deeper emergency inventories, while in the Midwest areas seasonal furniture takes precedence.
We‘re using information to customize products to each neighborhood, Hernandez said.
Why Did Big Lots Close Stores in the First Place?
The store closed 120 stores in 2023 because of dwindling foot traffic and supply chain disruptions. The blame was attributed by analysts to outdated designs and over-expansion into competitive city markets. Crestline‘s strategy avoids these traps by concentrating on affordable suburban hubs.
FAQs: Big Lots Reopenings Under New Ownership
Do new individuals own Big Lots?
Yes. Private equity firm Crestline Partners purchased the chain during Q1 2024.
Will the reopened stores honor old gift cards? Yes. All unredeemed gift and reward cards will be honored in reopened stores. Are there new jobs emerging? Big Lots is hiring more than 2,000 workers in stores that reopened. Apply through their careers page. The Bottom Line Big Lots‘ rescue by Crestline is a lifeline for bargain shoppers who have underestimated the chain‘s quirky bargains. With a new emphasis on community priorities and technology–enabled convenience, the new owners are hoping to place the retailer back on its pedestal as America‘s favorite discount destination. SEO Keywords: Big Lots store openings 2024, Big Lots new ownership, Crestline Partners, discount store locations, store reopening map, Big Lots grand opening specials, Chapter 11 return, affordable home essentials. Stay tuned for further updates as more places join the reopening list!