KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Despite making it onto the list of stores that might stay open, the Tullahoma Big Lots location will be closing its doors by the end of the week.

Towards the end of 2024, Big Lots announced the beginning of “going out of business” sales across all of its stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. However, in January the discount retailer announced it had reached an agreement to a sale transaction with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC, and closed on the deal in February. Per the deal, the sale would enable Variety Wholesalers, Inc., to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, with plans to operate under the Big Lots brand, and up to two distribution centers. In addition, Variety Wholesalers may employ Big Lots associates at the acquired stores and distribution centers, as well as certain corporate associates needed to support Big Lots’ go-forward footprint.

Following the sale, Gordon Brothers published a list of over 200 locations with leases or contracts designated to be taken over by Variety Wholesalers, which included the Big Lots location in Tullahoma at 1806 N Jackson St.

Despite making the list of potential stores could stay open, a representative from Big Lots said the Tullahoma location will be closing its doors permanently this Thursday, March 13. There has been a countdown to the final days of the store being open starting earlier this month.

The Tullahoma Big Lots has been a staple in the city for years, first opening in its first location at Northgate Mall in November 1988, and moving to its second location up North Jackson Street in the old Kmart building, sharing residency with Hobby Lobby, in June 2021.

As for the rest of the stores that didn’t make the list, Gordon Brothers have listed hundreds of Big Lots leases for sales to any retailers that may want to take over the spaces for other businesses. The stores are primarily located in shopping centers across 47 states and range in size from nearly 19,000 to 55,000 square feet.

As of writing, there are currently 377 Big Lots stores in the U.S.