If you’ve been missing Big Lots in your neighborhood, you’re not alone. After filing for bankruptcy last fall and closing many of its stores, the popular discount chain is making a major return, especially in Florida.
Let me catch you up: seven new Big Lots stores will reopen around the Sunshine State on June 5. There are no haphazard reopening ceremonies. This is part of a bigger rescue mission by Variety Wholesalers, a company that rode in and purchased the rights to dozens of erstwhile Big Lots stores.
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Big comeback after bankruptcy
Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September of 2024. It looked like game over then—record-high inflation, declining home goods sales, and shifting consumer habits had finally caught up with it. The chain announced that it would shutter the vast majority of its stores.
But then, Variety Wholesalers, which also owns stores like Bargain Town and Roses Discount, stepped up. It acquired 219 former Big Lots locations and has been reopening them in waves since April.
So far, more than 100 stores have reopened in other states. Now, it’s Florida’s turn.
Where You’ll Find the New Big Lots in Florida
If you live in Florida, check to see if one of these new Big Lots stores is opening near you:
- Brandon – 843 West Bloomingdale Avenue
- Fort Myers – 4901 Palm Beach Boulevard, Unit 27B
- Milton – 6247 Highway 90
- North Fort Myers – 13970 N. Cleveland Avenue
- Ruskin – 3048 State Road 674
- Spring Hill – 2384 Commercial Way
- St. Cloud – 3401 13th Street, #100
These stores are part of a bigger plan to reopen 78 Big Lots stores in nine states—all on June 5.
Why does this matter to you
If you’re a bargain lover, you know Big Lots is a destination for value home furnishings, furniture, snacks, and seasonal items at value prices. The recently reopened stores will likely offer the same treasure-hunt shopping experience many customers know and love, but now with added focus on value and everyday essentials.
And here’s the twist: Variety Wholesalers is gearing up for grand reopening celebrations in a few weeks, so your local store might be hosting some celebration or special offers.
A new start for Big Lots—and Florida consumers
While Big Lots won’t come as close to its peak of over 1,300 stores, this turnaround is a promising restart. Especially in Florida, where discount shopping is as common as sunshine, these new stores should draw as many visitors as people toss sunhats on the beach.
If there just so happens to be one of these seven stores near you, mark on your calendar June 5. It’s not another store opening—it’s an indication that Big Lots is reopening for business, and it’s starting right here in Florida.
