Discount retailer Big Lots is closing as many as 40 stores this year as the company struggles against inflationary headwinds and drops in consumer spending.
In June, the company’s SEC filings indicated it will close between 35-40 stores this year. Big Lots closed 52 locations in 2023.
The filing raised the possibility the chain may be forced to file bankruptcy.
“There is a significant likelihood that (the company) will be unable to comply (with financial agreements)…which raises substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” Big Lots said in regards to its financial situation. It added, however, the company had “implemented plans to reduce costs, improve sales and enhance its financial flexibility and liquidity.”
Big Lots has not released a list of stores set to close, however, there are some locations marked for going out of business sales on its website. One of those is in Troy, Alabama where a banner on the website reads “Closing this location,” alongside a notice shoppers can save “up to 20%.” It is the only one of Big Lots 29 Alabama locations with this notice on its site.
According to published reports, there are currently 89 Big Lots stores across 27 states with closure notices on their web pages, almost double the number announced by the company.
They include, per reports, locations in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
You can see that complete city by city list here.
Other reports indicated as many as six locations in California are also set to close.