As discount retailer Big Lots underwent Chapter 11 bankruptcy and shuttered hundreds of locations, numerous former store sites in Pennsylvania have been taken over by other national retailers seeking to expand their footprint.
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Retail chains such as Burlington, Forman Mills, Goodwill, Ocean State Job Lot, Tractor Supply, and Variety Wholesalers acquired former Big Lots leases through a bankruptcy auction process. Big Lots began widespread closures in December 2024 following its bankruptcy filing in September.
Among the notable acquisitions, Tractor Supply took over the store in Hummelstown, while Burlington acquired a location in Clifton Heights. Ocean State Job Lot assumed control of stores in Harrisburg and Trexlertown. Variety Wholesalers, which owns discount retail chains including Roses, reopened several stores in May and has announced additional reopenings set for 5 June. Locations span towns such as Bloomsburg, Camp Hill, Erie, Johnstown, Pittsburgh, and York.
Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, discussed the transition on CBS Mornings, highlighting the impact of U.S. trade policies on operations. She noted that President Trump's tariffs have increased costs for many imported goods, affecting inventory and pricing strategies for newly acquired stores. Despite these challenges, Seigies expressed optimism: 'We're bringing stores back to communities and providing access to affordable goods.'
The strategic repurposing of Big Lots sites represents a broader trend of adaptive reuse in retail real estate. As national chains navigate a turbulent economic landscape, the acquisition of already-built and strategically located properties offers a cost-effective path to growth.
These developments come at a time when the retail sector is adjusting to both consumer demand for discount shopping and shifting supply chain economics. While tariffs have introduced new complexities, companies like Variety Wholesalers are positioning themselves to revitalise these locations and retain local jobs.
As Big Lots retreats from the high street, a new wave of discount and mid-market retailers is stepping in to fill the void, signalling a reshaping of the American retail environment, especially in mid-sized towns across states like Pennsylvania.
Source: www.pennlive.com