As Big Lots navigates through its bankruptcy proceedings, a list of the 200 locations that may remain open has been filed in court, sparking curiosity among customers in Mississippi. The retailer announced in December that it would close a number of its stores, but now, some locations could stay operational under new ownership.
The Big Lots Bankruptcy and Sale
On December 27, Big Lots revealed plans to close 200 to 400 stores across the United States. These closures are part of a sale of its assets to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC. The transaction was completed in January, with Gordon Brothers acquiring Big Lots’ store locations, property, and distribution centers.
Meanwhile, Variety Wholesalers Inc. has taken over Big Lots’ assets, including its distribution centers. Variety Wholesalers operates a number of retail chains in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions, including Roses, Maxway, Bill’s Dollar Stores, and Bargain Town.
The decision regarding which Big Lots stores will stay open is still being reviewed. A list of locations likely to remain in business was filed this week in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. However, the list might still be subject to change, as Fast Company reports that it is not yet finalized.
Key Dates and Information
The court documents also highlight key deadlines in the bankruptcy proceedings. Any objections to the sale or transfer of assets to Variety Wholesalers must be submitted by 4 p.m. on February 18. In the meantime, Big Lots stores remain open for business, both in physical locations and online.
Mississippi Big Lots Locations
Currently, there are 872 Big Lots stores across the U.S. Eleven of these stores are located in Mississippi. However, most of these locations have announced their closure and are in the process of going out of business. The Mississippi Big Lots stores are:
- Clinton
- D’Iberville
- Greenwood
- Gulfport
- Laurel
- Ocean Springs
- Pascagoula
- Pearl
- Southaven
- Tupelo
- Vicksburg
Among these, the Hattiesburg location had already posted a “going out of business” banner on its website when the company made the national closure announcement on December 19. This page has since been removed.
Which Mississippi Big Lots Stores Could Stay Open?
Two Mississippi stores are on the list of locations that may remain operational after the bankruptcy sale:
- 5778 Hwy. 80 E, Pearl
- 2605 W. Main St., Tupelo
These stores have been identified as potential survivors of the bankruptcy proceedings. The exact fate of other Mississippi locations is still uncertain.
Stores in Lease Sale
Some Mississippi stores are included in a lease sale, as Big Lots looks to offload certain locations. The D’Iberville, Gulfport, and Pascagoula stores are among those listed for potential lease sale. Offers for these leases were due by January 24.
These properties vary in size, ranging from 33,000 to 44,000 square feet, and the lease agreements extend until 2028 to 2030. Interested parties had the opportunity to make bids by the specified deadline.
Joann Fabric and Craft Stores Also Declare Bankruptcy
In another major retail news, Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, a national chain of fabric and craft supply stores, has also filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. The company has around 850 locations in 49 states, including three stores in Mississippi. The Mississippi Joann locations are:
- 6361 I-55 North, Jackson
- 6535 Towne Center Crossing, Southaven
- 3875 N. Gloster St., Tupelo
Joann’s bankruptcy proceedings include a sale of assets, with Gordon Brothers set to make the first bid for the company. While the company’s stores are still open and operational, the bankruptcy raises questions about potential closures in Mississippi.
Other Retail News: Bargain Hunt Stores Closing
In yet another bankruptcy announcement, Bargain Hunt, a discount store chain managed by Gordon Brothers and Hilco Consumer – Retail, is closing all 95 of its locations across 10 states. This includes Bargain Hunt stores in Mississippi, which are located at:
- 550 Stateline Road W., Southaven
- 424 Highway 12 W., Starkville
- 1130 Commonwealth Blvd., Tupelo
The company has also started its liquidation sales. Bargain Hunt joins a growing list of retail chains affected by bankruptcy proceedings.
What’s Next for Mississippi Retail?
While the fate of Big Lots and other retailers is still in the balance, the future of Mississippi’s retail landscape could look very different as stores close or change hands. For now, customers can continue to shop at the remaining Big Lots stores while keeping an eye on further announcements from the court and company representatives.
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