retailers

Henderson, N.C. — Henderson, North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers has announced the first wave of reopenings for its newly obtained Big Lots locations. After Ohio-based Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2024, Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 Big Lots stores. Beginning April 10, nine stores will reopen across six states including Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The remodeled stores will feature a selection of closeout deals, new merchandise categories, apparel and electronics. Variety Wholesalers will reopen the remaining acquired locations in subsequent waves. Approximately 55 …

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors has surpassed 300 stores after opening its first locations in York, Pa., Harrisburg, Pa., and Hagerstown, Md. These stores also mark Academy’s first locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland, increasing the retailer’s footprint to 21 states. In addition, Academy opened a new store in Kansas City, Mo., in March, and will open another new location in Charlotte, N.C., in April. The company plans to open a total of 20-25 new stores in its 2025 fiscal year. “Academy’s continued new store expansion reinforces our commitment …

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer plans to open a new neighborhood market, called Independence Market, in the Independence Township of Clarkston, Mich., on April 30. The new 50,000-square-foot market will serve customers from Clarkston and all of Independence Township, including the new Waldon Village development. “Independence Market is committed to serving our new neighbors with value and convenience that makes it easy to get in and out quickly,” says Robert Lajcaj, store director of Independence Market. “Our team has been working hard to get the store ready to open with …