Big Lots Returns to Jacksonville After Bankruptcy

News Summary

Big Lots is set to reopen its doors in Jacksonville after being acquired by Variety Wholesalers Inc. The beloved discount retailer, which faced bankruptcy, will bring back job opportunities and a revamped shopping experience to the community, starting with its first store reopening on April 10, 2024. With remodeling plans and a focus on new merchandise, residents can expect an exciting shopping environment that caters to bargain hunters.

Jacksonville Welcomes Big Lots Back! Exciting Reopenings Ahead!

Hey there, Jacksonville! It’s time to get ready for some thrilling news! After a bumpy ride through bankruptcy, Big Lots is gearing up to make a grand comeback right in our neighborhood! That’s right, folks! The beloved discount retailer has been acquired by Variety Wholesalers Inc., a company based out of Henderson, North Carolina, and they’re ready to reopen store doors across the nation, including right here in Jacksonville.

What’s Happening?

Big Lots, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in September 2024, is kicking off its reopening festivities! Literally! The first wave of newly reopened stores will start with nine locations opening their doors on April 10, 2024, and they’ll be scattered across six states. Get your shopping bags ready because our dear Jacksonville is set to see the excitement in May and June 2024, especially at the store located at 9119 Merrill Road.

Job Opportunities Aplenty!

And here’s more good news! Job application signs have already been spotted at the Jacksonville store. So if you or someone you know is looking for work, get those applications ready! It seems like Big Lots is not just reopening; they’re also focusing on bringing back jobs and keeping the community thriving!

Store Hours and Locations

For those eager to shop, the Jacksonville location will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Talk about a perfect time for some serious bargain hunting! Previously, Big Lots had six stores in Northeast Florida—four right here in Jacksonville, one in St. Augustine, and one over in Orange Park. Before their unfortunate closure, the stores were located on well-known streets like Beach Blvd. and Blanding Blvd., but now, things are looking up!

Exciting Updates Await!

Here’s something to look forward to: as part of Variety Wholesalers’ plans, around 55 stores will reopen on May 1, with even more openings through early June. Students of retail, mark your calendars for a grand opening celebration happening in the fall of 2024! The stores will be sporting remodeled spaces and feature an exciting array of new merchandise, bringing in categories like family apparel and electronics into the mix. It’s all about bringing fresh deals that the bargain-hunting community craves!

A Hopeful Future

The acquisition is set to preserve the Big Lots brand that many of us have come to love. It’s sweet to hear that even while they faced challenges, including consecutive quarterly losses since 2022—a staggering drop from over 1,300 stores to around 960 by May 2024—they’re still in the game. It goes to show you can’t keep a good store down!

Competition and Future Plans

Interestingly, it’s not just Variety Wholesalers making moves in this space. Competing discount retailer Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has snatched up 40 former Big Lots properties to rebrand them, while Ocean State Job Lot is preparing to acquire 15 former Big Lots stores across several states. The retail landscape is shifting, and it’s great to see so much action!

The Big Picture

Big Lots once offered a variety of items from furniture to pantry supplies and everything in between, but recent macroeconomic challenges and rising inflation led to their struggles. However, with these new developments, it feels like the tide is turning!

So, Jacksonville, keep your eyes peeled on those storefronts. The message at the Jacksonville store says it all: “The Comeback Starts Soon!” Get ready for a new era of Big Lots shopping that promises to bring deals, variety, and a sprinkle of excitement back into your day-to-day shopping adventures!

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Additional Resources

• Jacksonville Daily Record: Big Lots Teases the Comeback Starts Soon at Merrill Road Store
• Star-Telegram: Big Lots Store Closures and Business News
• Dispatch: What Retail Closings Mean for Big Lots
• San Francisco Chronicle: Big Lots Store Closures and Bankruptcy News
• Patch: Retailers Planning Store Closures, Including Big Lots
• Google Search: Big Lots news
• Wikipedia: Big Lots
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Big Lots
• Google News: Big Lots