LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Las Vegas teachers lamented the closing sale of Big Lots, a big box bargain retail chain, but their expression of grief might be met with a second chance for the distressed company following a new deal.
On Sept. 9, Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the company which bears its name on nearly 1,400 stores in 48 states. Staff at many locations adorned their stores with “closing this location” banners and marked down retail to 40% off.
On Friday, a deal was announced, following the chain’s sale to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, to transfer some of the locations to other retailers like Variety Wholesalers, which owns more than 400 locations and will acquire over 200 more.
“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate, and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn said in a statement. “We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process.”
Kathryn Kinnaird, a retired CCSD teacher, told 8 News Now she was sad to see the retailer close because of the opportunities it opened for educators to get access to affordable notebooks and supplies.
“I’m extremely disappointed,” Kinnaird said. “It was a place teachers could get support.”
Staff at the Centennial Center Boulevard Big Lots told customers Thursday it would likely be a month before they would close their doors. However, some locations have since removed their “closure” notifications on their websites—including the Big Lots location in Carson City, Nevada.
The closures have encouraged rare shoppers to the retail chain like Ian Kirkland, who said he just wanted to see if he could find a good piece of furniture to take home.
“Honestly, I was just trying to find a dresser, I need somewhere to put clothes,” he said.
Although he found a dresser, Kirkland mentioned it was not what he was looking for, and mentioned the design of it likely was a contributing factor to it not being sold.
The inside of the store still had a few shelves for bedding, mugs, and kitchen appliances but nearly half the store was taped off with caution tape.
Kirkland said he wanted to stop by the brick-and-mortar location but continues his typical shopping experience of choice—online.
“Honestly, I prefer online, it’s much cheaper, and it’s easier too,” he said.
