West Virginia – According to a bankruptcy court filing submitted Monday, seven Big Lots locations in West Virginia may remain open as part of a takeover deal.
Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, which acquired the struggling retailer, has identified 200 stores in 15 states that will continue to operate under new ownership.
Variety Wholesalers Inc. is expected to take over the selected locations, with plans to continue operating them under the Big Lots brand.
West Virginia’s preliminary list includes seven stores:
- Beckley – 4522 Robert C. Byrd Drive
- Bridgeport – 104 Thompson Drive
- Charleston – 118 Hills Plaza
- Elkins – 710 Beverly Pike
- Martinsburg – 110 Eagle School Road
- Oak Hill – 291 Mall Road
- Princeton – 1350 Stafford Drive
The filing also lists locations in neighboring states, such as Ohio (27 stores), Pennsylvania (22), and Virginia (17).
Any objections to Variety Wholesalers’ acquisition of these stores must be submitted by February 18 at 4 p.m. ET. However, a spokesperson for Gordon Brothers told Fast Company that the list is not complete and that more locations may be added.
Meanwhile, Gordon Brothers has put hundreds of Big Lots store leases up for sale, potentially allowing other retailers to take over vacant spaces.
Big Lots, based in Columbus, Ohio, operates 872 stores throughout the United States.
The company has experienced financial difficulties in recent years, prompting the sale and restructuring effort.
