Hempfield Big Lots store among locations in Western Pennsylvania slated to reopen

A few former Big Lots stores in the region are preparing for a rebirth under the same name.

Locations in Hempfield, Ross, Penn Hills, Washington, Indiana, Rochester and Johnstown are on a list of 11 stores statewide reopening June 5 after their assets were transferred to a North Carolina-based discount retailer as part of Big Lots’ bankruptcy last year.

Company marketing and brand manager Rachel Roux said the stores will have much of the same offerings as before they closed.

“Furniture will be a smaller portion of our merchandise, and we will be expanding our apparel selection,” she said.

Big Lots filed for bankruptcy protection in September. In December, the retailer reached a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to transfer some of Big Lots’ stores, distribution centers and other assets to other retailers.

One of those retailers was Variety Wholesalers, Inc., according to The Associated Press. The first of four waves of store reopenings under the new ownership took place in April at locations in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to a press release. Fifty-five more opened May 1.

Locations in Erie, Meadville and New Castle were among 10 stores in Pennsylvania to reopen Thursday. There will be 24 stores in all in Pennsylvania once all are reopened.

On a revamped Big Lots website, Variety Wholesalers indicated they will operate 219 stores in 15 states, including Pennsylvania. A grand opening is slated for the fall, Roux said.

“We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community,” Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, said in a statement. “We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build towards the grand opening celebration in the fall.

Other stores’ fate unknown

Big Lots stores locally held going-out-of-business sales earlier this year.

The fate of several other locations in the region that closed remains unclear. Signage from the Unity storefront has been removed and it is available for lease. The East Huntingdon location was dormant Friday though the signage remained.

Management and associate positions are available for the Hempfield location.

Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots sold furniture, home decor and other items. Company officials last year pointed to inflation and high interest rates as a culprit for customers to pull back on purchases of home and seasonal products, the AP reported.

Variety Wholesalers, based in North Carolina, also operates Roses Discount Stores, which has locations in Lower Burrell and West Mifflin.