by Pennsylvania has seen several former Big Lots stores acquired by prominent retailers after Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and closed hundreds of locations nationwide.
Leading discount and specialty retailers like Burlington, Forman Mills, Tractor Supply, and Variety Wholesalers have purchased leases for these vacated stores, ensuring continued retail presence in key Pennsylvania communities.
What Happened
In September 2024, Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and began closing the majority of its stores by December.
Subsequently, the retailer auctioned off its store leases. Multiple well-known companies purchased these leases throughout Pennsylvania.
Key Details
Several retailers acquired former Big Lots store locations, including:
| Retailer | Location |
|---|---|
| Burlington | 713 E. Baltimore Ave., Clifton Heights |
| Forman Mills | 3215 N. 5th St., Highway, Reading |
| Goodwill | 3472 Concord Road, Aston |
| Ocean State Job Lot | 3850 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg 7150 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown |
| Tractor Supply | 1170 Mae St., Hummelstown |
Additionally, Variety Wholesalers acquired multiple former Big Lots stores and has been actively reopening them since May 2025, with more openings planned for June.
Variety Wholesalers reopened these locations in May:
- 2431 Columbia Blvd., Bloomsburg
- 3437 Simpson Ferry Road, Camp Hill
- 467 W. Penn Ave., Cleona
- 5522 Shaffer Road, Du Bois
- 1010 Oneill Highway, Dunmore
- 156 Eagles Glen Plaza, East Stroudsburg
- 2215 W. 12th St., Erie
- 866 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Eynon
- 697 Allegheny Blvd, Franklin
- 1241 Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East, Lehighton
- 7405 Westbranch Highway, Lewisburg
- 820 Water St., Meadville
- 2611 Ellwood Road, New Castle
Variety Wholesalers will reopen these stores on June 5, 2025:
- 750 Ohio River Blvd., East Rochester
- 389 N. Reading Road, Ephrata
- 500 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
- 6041 State Route 30, Greensburg
- 1150 Carlisle St., Hanover
- 2444 Philadelphia St., Indiana
- Scalp Avenue and Route 219, Johnstown
- 4717 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh
- 11628 Penn Hills Drive, Pittsburgh
- 254 Oak Springs Road, Washington
- 2140 White St., York
Reactions or Statements
No official public statements were released by Big Lots regarding the lease sales.
However, local communities are expected to benefit from the arrival of new retailers replacing the closed Big Lots locations, preserving jobs and retail options.
Investigation or What’s Next
The transition of these retail spaces reflects the evolving retail landscape in Pennsylvania amid the challenges faced by traditional discount stores.
Retail analysts anticipate the newly acquired locations will stabilize and attract consistent foot traffic under their new management.
Variety Wholesalers’ phased reopening schedule indicates a strategic approach to re-establish retail presence throughout the state in 2025.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Big Lots close so many stores in Pennsylvania?
A1: Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024, leading to the closure of most stores to restructure debt and operations.
Q2: Which retailers bought former Big Lots stores in Pennsylvania?
A2: Notable buyers include Burlington, Forman Mills, Goodwill, Ocean State Job Lot, Tractor Supply, and Variety Wholesalers.
Q3: When are the reopened stores by Variety Wholesalers expected to open?
A3: Some reopened in May 2025, with additional locations set to open on June 5, 2025.
Q4: Will jobs be preserved or created at these new stores?
A4: While specifics vary, new retail tenants typically aim to hire staff to support store operations, benefiting local employment.
Q5: Where can I find a former Big Lots store near me that has reopened?
A5: Check local Variety Wholesalers or other retailers’ websites for updated store locations and openings.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The closure of Big Lots stores in Pennsylvania has opened new opportunities for retailers like Burlington, Forman Mills, Tractor Supply, and Variety Wholesalers to expand their footprint.
This transition maintains retail services across the state, supports local economies, and provides shoppers with continued access to popular discount and specialty stores throughout 2025.
