Business as Usual Amid Uncertainty
On Friday, operations continued as normal at Lewiston’s Big Lots store, despite an announcement made on the national chain’s website indicating that all of its stores would be closing. Employees at the Lewiston location noted they had heard rumors of an impending closure, yet details remained unclear.
Company Statements and Future Plans
In a release issued Thursday, Big Lots stated, ‘The company is preparing to commence going out of business sales at all remaining Big Lots store locations in the coming days to protect the value of its estate.’ This declaration comes as Big Lots grapples with the belief that it will not finalize a previously announced purchase agreement with Nexus Capital Management.
Despite the closure rumors, Big Lots remains hopeful for an alternate transaction either with Nexus or another potential buyer. According to the company’s release, ‘The company believes that the going out of business sales will not preclude it from effectuating a going concern transaction.’
Local Store Experiences and Customer Communication
As confusion spreads among employees and customers alike, there was no visible signage indicating a going-out-of-business sale at the Lewiston location as of Friday morning. However, the national website features banners proclaiming, ‘All Stores Closing. Now Save Up To 50% Off Entire Store,’ highlighting various categories like furniture and groceries.
A Look at Big Lots’ Legacy
Big Lots is known as one of the nation’s largest closeout retailers, sourcing an array of items for home essentials through closeouts, liquidations, and overstocks. The Lewiston store has served the community since its opening in 2012, filling a space that was previously occupied by Sears.
As Big Lots faces potential closure, the Lewiston Center Mall is also experiencing transformation, including a remodeling project for a Hobby Lobby, set to open in spring, further altering the retail landscape.
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