The retail landscape continues to shift, and unfortunately, Big Lots is the latest casualty. Not long ago, we reported on the discount retailer’s plan to close 47 stores, adding to a growing list of over 350 closures. However, as of October 11th, a staggering 56 more locations have been added to the closure list, bringing the total to over 400 Big Lots stores shutting their doors.
This wave of closures comes on the heels of Big Lots filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September. The once-thriving retailer, a familiar presence in American shopping culture since the 1960s, offered customers deep discounts on a wide variety of goods, from home decor and furniture to groceries and seasonal items. The news of these extensive closures marks a significant downturn for the company and leaves many communities wondering what will fill the void.
The Expanding List of Big Lots Closures Across the US
The impact of these closures is widespread, affecting communities across the country. According to reports, the following locations are among the latest additions to the closure list:
Alabama
- 142 Green Springs Highway, Homewood, AL 35209
Arkansas
- 150 E Oak Street, Conway, AR 72032
Arizona
- 1799 Kiowa Avenue #106, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404
California
- 16824 Main Street, Hesperia, CA 92345
- 1201 E Manning Avenue, Reedley, CA 93654
- 2727 N Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- 2685 Hilltop Drive, Redding, CA 96002
Colorado
- 893 S Kuner Road, Brighton, CO 80601
Connecticut
- 1235 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010
Florida
- 751 Good Homes Road, Orlando, FL 32818
- 14948 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613
Georgia
- 4200 Wade Green Road NW Ste 144, Kennesaw, GA 30144
- 160 Market Square, Cartersville, GA 30120
Illinois
- 1383 E Pershing Road Suite A, Decatur, IL 62526
- 8750 N 2nd Street, Machesney Park, IL 61115
Indiana
- 1538 North Morton Street, Franklin, IN 46131
- 918 W Lincoln Highway, New Haven, IN 46774
- 440 New Albany Plaza, New Albany, IN 47150
Iowa
- 3320 Agency Street, Burlington, IA 52601
Kansas
- 7408 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS 66203
Louisiana
- 3250 Gerstner Memorial Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Maryland
- 1815 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood, MD 21040
- 1200 Smallwood Drive W, Waldorf, MD 20603
Michigan
- 29712 Southfield Road, Southfield, MI 48076
- 30000 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150
Missouri
- 603 SW US Highway 40, Blue Springs, MO 64014
- 691 Gravois Bluffs Boulevard, Fenton, MO 63026
Nebraska
- 850 E 23rd Street, Fremont, NE 68025
New Mexico
- 465 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121
- 9500 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
North Carolina
- 223 New Market Center, Boone, NC 28607
Ohio
- 60 E Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081
- 1733 Pearl Road Suite 125, Brunswick, OH 44212
- 6235 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights, OH 44143
- 26425 Great Northern Plaza, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Oklahoma
- 2144 S Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK 74129
- 1200 N Hills Center, Ada, OK 74820
Pennsylvania
- 15501 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116
- 2631 Macarthur Road, Whitehall, PA 18052
Tennessee
- 791 West Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643
- 2020 Gunbarrel Road Ste 186, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Texas
- 3512 Lamar Avenue, Paris, TX 75460
- 2729 New Boston Road, Texarkana, TX 75501
- 425 Sawdust Road Suite A, Spring, TX 77380
- 1374 W Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067
- 850 N Bell Boulevard #104, Cedar Park, TX 78613
- 2249 S Loop 288, Denton, TX 76205
- 4002 Sunset Drive, San Angelo, TX 76904
Virginia
- 4300 Portsmouth Boulevard, Chesapeake, VA 23321
- 6571 Market Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061
- 8151 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23227
Washington
- 2401 N Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98406
- 120 N Fair Avenue, Yakima, WA 98901
- 11696 NE 76th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662
- 3019 W Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336
Wisconsin
- 1800 Milton Avenue Suite 100, Janesville, WI 53545
The Impact on Communities and the Retail Landscape
These closures represent a significant shift in the retail landscape. The loss of Big Lots stores will impact not only shoppers who relied on the retailer for affordable goods but also the employees who will lose their jobs and the communities that will lose a local business. The widespread nature of these closures underscores the challenges facing brick-and-mortar retailers in the current economic climate.
The over 350 Big Lots stores already slated for closure have commenced liquidation sales, offering deep discounts to clear out inventory. These sales attract bargain hunters but also signal the finality of the closures for these communities.
Beyond Big Lots: Other Trends in the Retail and Entertainment Industries
While the Big Lots closures are a significant development, other trends are shaping the retail and entertainment industries. One notable trend is the increasing involvement of celebrities in the food and beverage industry.
Country Stars Venture into the Hospitality Business
Numerous country music artists have opened bars and restaurants, creating unique experiences for fans and diversifying their business ventures. These establishments often reflect the artists’ personal brand and provide a dedicated space for fans to connect with their music and lifestyle. From intimate bars to sprawling entertainment complexes, these ventures offer a glimpse into the world of country music beyond the stage.
Remembering Those We’ve Lost in the Music Industry
The music industry, like any other, experiences loss. It’s important to take time to remember and honor the artists, songwriters, and industry professionals who have passed away. Their contributions to music have shaped the industry and left a lasting legacy.
The Future of Retail and the Entertainment Industry
The retail landscape is constantly evolving, and the recent surge in Big Lots store closures serves as a reminder of the challenges and changes facing the industry. Adaptability and innovation are key for retailers to thrive in this dynamic environment. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry continues to find new ways to engage audiences, with celebrity-owned businesses and tribute events playing a growing role.
FAQ: Big Lots Closures and Related Topics
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Big Lots closures and related topics:
- Q: Why is Big Lots closing so many stores? A: The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing financial difficulties. This restructuring process often involves closing underperforming stores to reduce costs.
- Q: What will happen to Big Lots employees? A: Unfortunately, store closures often lead to job losses. While some employees may be able to transfer to other locations, many will be laid off.
- Q: What will replace the closed Big Lots stores? A: The future use of these locations will vary depending on the specific property and local market conditions. Some may be repurposed for other retail businesses, while others may be converted to different uses altogether.
- Q: What is the trend for celebrity-owned businesses in the entertainment industry? A: Celebrity involvement in businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, is increasing. This trend offers artists new revenue streams and opportunities to connect with fans in unique ways.
Do you have any further questions about the Big Lots closures or related topics? Feel free to share your questions and insights in the comments below. We encourage open discussion and sharing of information within our community.
