Hundreds of Big Lots locations saved, future of Ocala stores unclear

A company that owns Roses locations across the nation has stepped in to save hundreds of Big Lots stores that were among over 1,000 scheduled to close, with no word yet on whether any Ocala locations will remain open.

On Friday, December 27, Big Lots, Inc., announced that it has agreed to a sale transaction with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC, enabling the “transfer of Big Lots assets, including stores, distribution centers, and intellectual property,” to other retailers and companies, including Variety Wholesalers, Inc.

“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” said Bruce Thorn, Big Lots’ President and Chief Executive Officer.

According to a press release from the companies, Variety Wholesalers currently owns more than 400 retail stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States under several brands, including Roses, Roses Express, Maxway, and Bargain Town, among others.

“Variety Wholesalers intends to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which it plans to operate under the Big Lots brand moving forward, and up to two distribution centers,” reads the press release. It goes on to indicate that Variety Wholesalers “may employ” Big Lots associates currently working at the stores and distribution centers that are acquired.

The agreement is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and other customary closing conditions. No details were provided regarding which stores will be retained.

Earlier this month, Big Lots reported that it had failed to reach a deal to sell its assets and, as a result, that it would be closing down all of its locations.

Now, the locations in Ocala will await word from the new owners as to whether or not the city’s stores will remain.

The three locations in Ocala are situated at 2653 E Silver Springs Boulevard, 6851 SE Maricamp Road, and 8602 SW Highway 200.

In the months since Ocala-news.com first reported that Big Lots filed for bankruptcy, hundreds of readers have shared comments on the topic. Many have expressed disappointment with the closure, citing their experiences shopping at the stores.

Some readers have expressed confusion as to whether or not the relatively new location in Marion Oaks, which opened in 2023, would remain open.

In its previous announcement, Big Lots indicated that the company was going to “commence going out of business sales” at all of its locations.

The status of those sales at the Ocala locations is also unclear.

An email to Big Lots’ public relations team was not replied to before the publication of this story.

According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Big Lots warned that it would most likely close at least three dozen locations this year.

Just weeks later, that number grew to over 100 and eventually, grew to include all of the chain’s locations.

The state of Florida currently has over 100 Big Lots locations. Several Big Lots are near Ocala, including locations in Crystal River, Inverness, Leesburg, Eustis, and Gainesville.