About 500 Big Lots stores are planned to close, including 23 more in Ohio. Here's a look at the latest on the Columbus-based retailer's bankruptcy.

The company buying Columbus-based Big Lots has identified about 500 Big Lots stores, including several in central Ohio, that it plans to close.

Big Lots Inc. has a new owner and operator. Big Lots Inc. has a new owner and operator. The acquisition by Boston-based Gordon Brothers has closed, putting the long-time Columbus retailer in the hands of the retail-focused investment firm.

Several local Big Lots locations are set to close at the end of the month following the company’s filing for bankruptcy and new ownership.

Big Lots is under new ownership after a last-minute sale went through that will seemingly keep hundreds of stores in operation and prevent thousands of layoffs. The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer announced this month it closed a previously announced sale agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners.

As Big Lots' bankruptcy process continues, more than 460 locations are likely closing because their leases are on list of those for sale.

according to a press release announcing the sale lease sale website

The closure of a Big Lots distribution center negatively impacted Central Ohio's industrial market in the fourth quarter of 2024, though analysts remain positive about the region's ability to rebound.

Discount store Big Lots is expected to close more stores across the country after a deal made with the company’s new owner.

The Big Lots stores in Lima and Findlay are set to close as part of a nationwide effort by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to sell the leases of hundreds of

Gordon Brothers' purchase of Big Lots Inc. was completed Jan. 9, according to a press release from the firm, but the agreement was announced Dec. 27. Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September and has already closed or sold leases for hundreds of stores as part of that process.

Big Lots is under new ownership after a last-minute sale went through that will keep hundreds of stores in operation and prevent thousands of layoffs.