The celebration marks the culmination of a phased reopening strategy that saw hundreds of Big Lots! stores—including many in the brand’s home state of Ohio—return to business after the company was acquired out of bankruptcy by Variety Wholesalers earlier this year.
“The comeback is complete just in time for the holidays,” said a spokesperson for Variety Wholesalers. “The overwhelming positive response from loyal Big Lots! shoppers confirmed the strong demand for the value and selection this brand offers. Our Grand Opening Celebration is our way of thanking the community and officially ushering in the holiday shopping season.”
A Focus on Bargains and Fresh Inventory
While many Ohio stores, such as those in Toledo, Fremont, Columbus, and Kettering, have been open since the initial waves of re-openings in May and June, the October 30th event serves as the official, unified Grand Opening for all locations. The new ownership has focused on a revitalized shopping experience, introducing fresh inventory, a rotating selection of name-brand closeout merchandise, and even expanded apparel sections for the entire family.
The strategy has been to quickly return the Big Lots! name to the marketplace while continuously stocking new deals, leading up to this fall’s national celebration.
Holiday Shopping Kicks Off
The Grand Opening Celebration begins at 9 a.m. on October 30th and is expected to feature giveaways and doorknocker deals. For savvy shoppers, the timing is perfect, as the event will also serve as the official kickoff to the holiday season, offering seasonal savings, festive décor, and gift-giving inspiration as customers get a first look at the holiday stock.
Prior to the main event, shoppers were invited to a special Grand Opening Kickoff Event held earlier in the month, featuring a 10% discount on almost everything in the store. The full list of currently operating store locations, including all Ohio locations participating in the Grand Opening, can be found on the Big Lots! website.
The revival of Big Lots! secures the presence of a key discount retailer across numerous communities in Ohio and beyond, reinforcing its commitment to delivering unbeatable bargains to local shoppers.