Imagine an all-inclusive, one-stop shop filled with retro Big Lots charm
Many Big Lots employees in Cookeville are staying put amid the changes following the store’s announcement of closure due to bankruptcy, sources within the organization told the UCBJ. The store is closing, but only for a short time. New ownership looks to remodel and bring back a nostalgic feel with expanding product. According to sources, the soft reopening is planned for early June.
Variety Wholesalers, Inc. (“Variety Wholesalers”) and Gordon Brothers Retail Partners (GB) recently acquired between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, and the ownership group aims to enhance the Big Lots experience by showcasing more furniture and higher quality, big brand items along with beloved Big Lots items and products from the group’s other holdings, according to sources.
Those franchises include:
- Roses
- Roses Express
- Maxway
- Bill’s Dollar Stores
- Super 10
- Super Dollar
- Bargain Town banners
“Variety is thrilled to officially welcome the Big Lots brand and looks forward to operating hundreds of Big Lots locations. This strategic acquisition allows us to serve more customers and communities,” said Lisa Seigies, Variety Wholesalers’ President and CEO.
Imagine an all-inclusive, one-stop shop filled with retro Big Lots charm. Think Big Lots circa Y2K modernized, and employees aren’t concerned about the change in guard. On the contrary, many are excited, saying it will provide an opportunity to improve neglected parts of the store.
“We were proud to support Big Lots through the restructuring process to enable the company’s continued operation and look forward to working with Variety Wholesalers to support Big Lots moving forward,” said Kyle Shonak, Gordon Brothers’ Chief Transaction Officer at the time of purchase.
Soon the going-out-of-business signs will disappear, the doors locked and a remodel of the Big Lots experience underway. When the store rises from the ashes, consumers may see something fresh.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.
Photo via Facebook.
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