Now hundreds of Big Lots are closing, including 26 in Florida. Here's the list
Last month the ubiquitous discount retailer Big Lots announced it would close as many as 40 stores by the end of 2024 as its financials worsen in a tough consumer market. Now that number could be closer to 315.
Initially, there were 11 Florida stores getting shuttered, according to Big Lots' website. In a July 31 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the big box discount chain allowed for many more store closings, along with updating its loan terms to lower its credit limit and raise the interest rate.
Now the website shows 26 of the chain's 106 Florida locations will be shutting down, with sales up to 20% already started.
The Columbus Dispatch — a part of the USA TODAY Network — reported that the Columbus-based retailer had listed 293 locations as "closing soon" as of the beginning of August. The company's store locator currently lists 1,389 locations nationwide. That's down already from the 1,425 the chain listed in the first quarter of 2023.
"In 2024, the U.S. economy has continued to face macroeconomic challenges including elevated inflation, which has adversely impacted the buying power of our customers,” Big Lots said in the filing.
This comes during a year when Walgreens closed locations, Walmart closed all 51 of its health centers, restaurant chains like Red Lobster, Tijuana Flats, TGI Fridays and Hooters announced closings and retail outlets such as rue21. Express, Best Buy, Macy's, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar all announced bankruptcies or location reductions.
Big Lots, Family Dollar, Red Lobster:Which retail, restaurant chains have closed Florida locations in 2024?
Which Florida Big Lots stores will be closing?
According to Big Lots' website, 26 Florida stores will be closing.
- Boca Raton, 21697 State Road 7
- Bonita Springs, 25191 Chamber Of Commerce Drive
- Boynton Beach, 901 N. Congress Ave.
- Bradenton, 7381 52nd Place E.
- Clewiston, 328 E Sugarland Highway
- Coconut Creek, 4847 Coconut Creek Parkway
- Daytona Beach, 2400 W. International Speedway
- Destin, 34940 Emerald Coast Parkway
- Fort Myers, 15271 McGregor Blvd.
- Hallandale, 1761 E Hallandale Beach Blvd
- Hollywood, 3921 Oakwood Blvd
- Miami, 8265 W. Flagler St.
- MiamiLakes, 5580 NW 167th St
- Naples, 2882 Tamiami Trail E.
- Orange Park, 700 Blanding Blvd
- Orlando
- Plantation, 7067 W. Broward Blvd
- Pompano Beach, 1440 Ne 23rd St
- Port Richey, 11854 US Highway 19
- Royal Palm Beach, 511 N. SR 7
- Sarasota, 3750 Bee Ridge Road
- Stuart, 2236 SE Federal Highway
- Tampa, 12601 Citrus Plaza Drive
- Tarpon Springs, 41306 US Highway 19 N.
Why is Big Lots closing stores?
“In 2024, the U.S. economy has continued to face macroeconomic challenges including elevated inflation, which has adversely impacted the buying power of our customers,” the filing from Big Lots said.
According to the financial disclosure, sales dropped 10.2% between the first quarters of 2023 and 2024, equating to a loss of about $114.5 million.
The company also said it had "substantial doubt" about the ability of the company to continue operation, leading to speculation of a potential bankruptcy filing.
How many Big Lots are there in Florida?
There are 106 Big Lots stores in Florida.
Florida cities with the most Big Lots stores include:
- Orlando: 5
- Miami: 4
- St. Petersburg: 3
- Ocala: 3
- Tampa: 3
- Sarasota: 2
- Lakeland: 2
- Pensacola: 2
- Fort Myers: 3
- Jacksonville: 3
- Bradenton: 2
- Clearwater: 2
What states have the most Big Lots stores? See where Florida ranks
States with more than 100 Big Lots include:
- Texas: 116
- California: 109
- Florida: 106
- Ohio: 102
James Powel, USA TODAY contributed to this article.