Is Big Lots Really Going Out of Business? These Michigan Stores May be Saved

It's been a rough road for Big Lots over the last 24 months, with the retailer announcing massive store closures in Michigan and throughout the US.

But now it appears that hundreds of Big Lots - including five here in Michigan - may be getting a new lease on life and staying open for the foreseeable future.

Timeline of Big Lots Closures

As Big Lots began closing stores in California and Colorado in 2023, rumors began to swirl that the discount chain was in trouble. The company announced that it was looking to close stores in large urban areas while concentrating on stores in smaller cities.

Those rumors became more credible in July 2024 when we reported that Big Lots was looking to close more locations across the country. However, Michigan's 46 locations appeared to be safe at that time.

Then in the fall of 2024, Big Lots began shuttering dozens of stores across the US and announced that 11 of Michigan's 46 stores would be closed by year's end.

However, the bad news kept coming, as the retailer announced in December that every one of its US locations - including more than 30 that were still open in Michigan - would be closing for good.

Company Steps in to Rescue Select Big Lots Stores

The biggest surprise of the year came on December 27, 2024, when it was announced that Big Lots had entered into an agreement with Gordon Brothers Reail Partners, LLC, meaning several US locations could be saved.

Roughly a month after 'Going Out of Business Sales' were implemented at all remaining Big Lots stores in the US, a list of locations being rescued from the jaws of defeat has been released.

Court paperwork filed earlier this month suggests that hundreds of locations are expected to remain open.

What Michigan Stores Are Staying Open?

According to court filings, these five Michigan locations are expected to continue operating as Big Lots stores under Variety Wholesalers.

• Burton
• Flint
• Huron
• Shelby Township
• Southgate

Court approval will be required for these stores to remain open and the list could be subject to change. The other US locations expected to remain open are listed here.