Variety Wholesalers, the discount retailer that recently acquired Big Lots!, is opening six locations in the first of four waves of openings. The locations will be in Mount Sterling, Kentucky; Metairie, Louisiana; Pearl, Mississippi; Asheboro, North Carolina; Clarksville, Gallatin, and Dickson, Tennessee; and Roanoke, Virginia. Variety Wholesalers will open the first wave of stores beginning April 10, with 55 additional locations in the second wave opening on May 1 and later waves continuing into June. By this fall, a special event will be held at all stores to celebrate the brand’s return.
Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, shares her thoughts on Big Lots’ reopening: “We’re excited 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. 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!”
For years, Big Lots was a toy industry partner across the closeouts and value channels. Prior to its bankruptcy last year, Big Lots acquired inventory valued at approximately $22 million from the liquidation of Hearthsong Toys. Other companies in Variety Wholesalers’ portfolio include Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express, and Maxway.
