Big Lots Bankruptcy: Retailer to Shutter Dozens More Stores Across 25 States

Earlier this year, the discount retail chain Big Lots filed for bankruptcy, announcing it would be closing hundreds of stores nationwide. Today, that store closure count climbs higher. The company now plans to close nearly 50 additional stores in 25 states. Find out if your neighborhood store is getting the ax. 

As of today, 47 stores have been added to the chopping block, joining the 340 already slated to be closed last month. This is some severe belt tightening, but it is spread across the country.

Many Big Lots locations have announced closing sales, in some cases up to 20%. But it pays to do your homework before snatching up supposed deals. Some shoppers have reported some savings, but in some cases, it's only been around 10% off. It's also important to keep in mind that liquidation sales can be deceptive. 

In some cases, retailers will hike prices just so they can "slash" them later. Also, initial sale prices may not be as good as what's offered later on, though you do risk a smaller inventory if you wait. Liquidation sales are typically final, so don't expect to be able to return an item if you're not satisfied — the store may no longer be there when you go back.

Check this list to find out if your city is losing a Big Lots:

• Arizona: Goodyear
• California: Alhambra, Arcadia, Bellflower, Inglewood, and La Verne
• Colorado: Wheat Ridge
• Florida: Delray Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Pembroke Pines
• Georgia: Snellville
• Illinois: Country Club Hills
• Indiana: Indianapolis (6225 Allisonville Road) and Noblesville
• Iowa: Des Moines
• Kentucky: Hopkinsville
• Louisiana: Shreveport
• Massachusetts: Danvers
• Maryland: Hanover
• Michigan: Taylor
• New Jersey: Mays Landing
• New York: Binghamton and Troy
• North Carolina: Raleigh (Cypress Plantation Drive)
• Ohio: Aurora
• Oklahoma: Stillwater
• Oregon: Springfield
• Pennsylvania: Aston, Aliquippa, Monroeville, and Waynesburg
• South Carolina: North Charleston
• Tennessee: Covington
• Texas: Amarillo (Interstate 40), College Station, Corpus Christi (Interstate Highway 69 Access Road), Fort Worth (5800 Overton Ridge Blvd. and 1250 Green Oaks Road), Katy, Mansfield, Nacogdoches, Pearland, Tomball, and San Antonio (Hollywood Park)
• Washington: Marysville and Spokane Valley
• Wisconsin: Eau Claire

While 340 stores were part of the closure list earlier this month, not all of them have closed. These, however, have:

• Arizona: Mesa, East Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix (Ray Road), and Scottsdale
• California: Camarillo, Livermore, Sacramento (Valley Hi Drive), and San Jose
• Colorado: Aurora (South Parker Road) and Longmont
• Connecticut: Manchester and Waterford
• Florida: Boca Raton, Bonita Springs, and Stuart
• Indiana: Kokomo
• Maryland: Reisterstown
• Michigan: Kentwood and Petoskey
• Montana: Helena
• New York: Centereach
• Oregon: Albany
• Pennsylvania: York
• South Carolina: Chester and Newberry
• Virginia: Manassas
• Washington: Lacey, Olympia, Port Angeles, and Renton
• Wisconsin: Mount Pleasant

While it seems like the bloodletting is everywhere, there are actually a few states that have escaped the purge (Big Lots has stores in every state except Alaska and Hawaii, if you're wondering). Delaware, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhose Island, and West Virginia all escaped the cuts. 

It looks that way. Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn has said that “the majority of our store locations are profitable,” but that cuts will ensure the company has "a more focused footprint to ensure that we operate efficiently and are best positioned to serve our customers.” 

For more smart shopping stories, please sign up for our free newsletters.