It has been about five months since discount retailer Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In that period, the company has closed over 500 stores, reducing its total to fewer than 900 as of February 2025.

However, recently filed court documents indicate that hundreds of stores could stay open.

Last month, Big Lots completed a previously announced sale agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. As part of the deal, Variety Wholesalers is set to acquire 200 to 400 Big Lots stores, which will retain the Big Lots branding, as well as two distribution centers, according to Nexstar’s WCMH.

This announcement came roughly a month after Big Lots began “going out of business” sales at all of its locations. Gordon Brothers has listed hundreds of store leases for auction across more than 40 states where Big Lots still operates.

Court documents filed Monday identify 200 locations designated for Variety Wholesalers to take over. Although these locations are intended to continue operating as Big Lots stores, the list is not final, and additional locations could be added, confirmed a spokesperson for Gordon Brothers to Fast Company. The decision will need court approval, and the transition could take time, company officials warned.

According to the court filings, the following Florida locations could continue to operate as Big Lots stores under Variety Wholesalers, if approved:

• Brandon
• Callaway
• Crystal River
• Fort Myers
• Jacksonville
• Marianna
• Milton
• North Fort Meyers
• Ormond Beach
• Ruskin
• Saint Cloud
• Spring Hill

As of February 7, the Big Lots website still stated that all stores are closing. Representatives for Big Lots and Gordon Brothers did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment.

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(Image credit: Jax Daily Record)