RALEIGH — Retail chain Big Lots, which primarily sells furniture and home decor at discounted prices, filed for bankruptcy in September but plans to reopen some of its stores. The company said high inflation and interest rates caused consumers to pull back on their home and seasonal product purchases, two categories the chain depended on for a substantial part of its revenue. Henderson-based Variety Wholesalers, which operates discount store brands including Roses, Maxway and Super 10, acquired more than 200 Big Lots stores as part of a deal last December. Starting May 1, the company will reopen 60 stores across several states, including in North Carolina
Variety Wholesaler also plans to reopen Big Lots stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia, along with other states.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Big Lots! brand back to life by offering more deals than ever, lots of famous brands and a new apparel department for the entire family,” Lisa Seigies, president and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, said. “We’re opening stores quickly so we can serve the community. We know the stores won’t be perfect to start, but each week we’ll add more new products as we build towards the grand opening celebration in the fall.”…