The Big Lots discount chain is closing hundreds more stores than the 40 it announced in June, affecting locations in the tristate area previously believed to be unscathed.
At the time of company’s June filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Big Lots expressed optimism, saying it planned to open three stores in 2024 even as it closed up to 40 of its nearly 1,400 locations.
However, a subsequent regulatory notice increased the number of stores closing to 315 nationwide, CNN reported, as the company warned there was “substantial doubt” regarding its ability to stay afloat.
While the retailer has not issued a full list of which locations will close, individual store websites have announced their status.
In New York State, at least nine of 64 locations are shuttering, including two in Buffalo and one each in Canandaigua, Carle Place, Centereach, Ithaca, Plattsburgh, Poughkeepsie and Queensbury.
The Woodbridge, N.J. location has proclaimed its imminent demise, though the rest of the state’s 26 Big Lots stores seem safe for now.
In Connecticut, locations in Manchester, Milford, New Milford, Newington, Norwich, Torrington, Waterbury, Waterford and Windsor are all closing, leaving the state with just seven of its previous 16 stores.
When exactly the stores will shutter has not been disclosed. Big Lots did not immediately return the Daily News’ request for comment.
Big Lots is “taking decisive actions to operate efficiently and reviewing our store footprint on an ongoing basis to make sure we’re best positioned to serve our customers and our business,” a spokesperson told CNN on Tuesday. “We are confident that the steps we are taking will best position the company for the future as we return to our roots, focus on owning the bargain space, and deliver unmistakable value to our customers.”
Amid the news, Big Lots is also using National Bargain Hunting Week, Aug. 12-18, as a jumping-off point to trumpet steep sales. The company last week announced “a series of new bargain-focused initiatives” for the week, along with the results of a survey of the “bargain shopping habits” of Americans.
