More downsizing coming in January

Discount retailer Big Lots announced Thursday it plans to close all of its remaining stores nationwide. The chain filed chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024, shuttering 400 stores around the country. Today, 963 stores remain, five them them in the Capital District. 

In an email to staff, Big Lots President Bruce Thorn said a reduction in the work force will be coming in January, but held out hope that a new buyer or lender could take over the retail chain and save it from closing, telling staff: 

[the decision to close could] be reversed if we successfully complete a sale.

Efforts to secure an alternative deal with Nexus or another party that would enable us to preserve a significant part of our business going forward.

For now, all stores will be operating in 'going out of business' mode. No specific dates were given for planned store closures.