Big Lots store closures highlight retail struggles

Big Lots, a discount retail chain, faces significant challenges as it scales back operations across the United States. Store closures, including a heavy reduction in Washington state where dozens of locations have shut down, highlight the company's financial struggles tied to high interest rates and reduced consumer spending. Efforts to secure financing or a revival through buyout deals, such as with Nexus Capital and later Gordon Brothers, have yet to stabilize the retailer.

While the potential for a retail comeback exists under new ownership, ongoing liquidation sales, terminated leases, and disputes with former partners suggest a steep uphill battle for recovery.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The Big Lots at 2401 N. Pearl St., seen Jan. 6, 2025, was the last remaining Tacoma store for the chain before its final round of store closures announced in December. By Craig Sailor

NO. 1: WILL BIG LOTS STORES MAKE A COMEBACK IN TACOMA, PIERCE COUNTY? HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

One shopping center appears to be moving on, while another Tacoma site was listed as one of chain’s top locations. | Published January 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

Big Lots celebrated its grand reopening into the larger Kmart space at Tahoma Vista Shopping Center last fall.

NO. 2: SO LONG, BIG LOTS? TACOMA AMONG WASHINGTON SITES FACING GOING-OUT-OF-BUSINESS SALES

Retailer announces that previously announced buyout deal unlikely to be completed. Six stores remain in Washington state. | Published December 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

Big Lots celebrated its grand reopening into the larger Kmart space at Tahoma Vista Shopping Center last fall. By PMF Investments

NO. 3: RETAILER FURTHER SHRINKS PIERCE COUNTY PRESENCE TO 1 SITE. HERE’S WHAT’S STAYING, GOING

Big Lots, in early August report, announced revised plans to potentially more than double expected closures nationwide. | Published August 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

NO. 4: RETAILER CLOSING STORE AT EASTSIDE TACOMA SHOPPING CENTER AS WELL AS OLYMPIA, LACEY SITES

The chain discount retailer celebrated its grand reopening at the Tacoma location in 2018. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

NO. 5: RETAILER CLOSING STORES IN OLYMPIA AND LACEY, AS WELL AS EAST TACOMA

A total of 12 stores are being closed in Washington state. | Published July 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.