Latest: Not ALL Big Lots Locations Will Now Close

A new development in the ongoing back and forth of the future of this popular discount retailer. Here in the Hudson Valley we've watched over the past several months, as numerous Big Lots locations have closed, relocated, prepared to close and ended up remaining open, and now there's a new update regarding what's next for Big Lots.

All Big Lots Stores Closing?

Just before Christmas, an incognito announcement of sorts came out regarding Big Lots stores.

Personally, I found out via an email for Big Lots subscribers which encouraged shoppers to 'save big before it's too late' - taking advantage of markdowns at Big Lots locations, with a note that ALL STORES would be CLOSING.

Further research provided additional context, that a prior acquisition deal to help Big Lots recover from their bankruptcy, was not going through. An official press release revealed that the company was 'preparing to commence going out of business sales at remaining stores.'

SEE ALSO: Party City Stores Will Shutter For Good

Some Big Lots Locations Will Remain Open

Over the weekend, Saturday December 28th and Sunday the 29th, several news outlets provided coverage that Big Lots stores would be remaining open as a purchase agreement was now going through. However, when I drove past the Big Lots in Wappingers (which was set to close, then ended up remaining open after their closing sales earlier in the fall), there were people standing outside with large 'store closing, going out of business sale' signs near Rt. 9 once again.

The latest update is that between 200 and 400 locations will stay open after a transaction with Boston-based firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to Variety Wholesalers, Inc.

Variety Wholesalers, out of North Carolina, is said to own and operate more than 400 stores including Roses, Roses Express, Maxway, Bill's Dollar Stores, and Bargain Town, and soon, Big Lots. Once the deal formally goes through, those stores included in the deal will operate under the Big Lots brand, and the company may employe current Big Lots employees both in stores and/or distribution centers.

Head of North American Retail for Gordon Brothers explained:

We are pleased to reach this strategic agreement with Big Lots and partner with Variety Wholesalers to achieve a path forward that allows Big Lots to continue to serve customers with extreme bargains and an outstanding shopping experience

At this time, there has not been a release of the specific stores that will be included in the sale and remain open, and which will close for good.