These Big Lots locations will be closing in Missouri

Photo byBig Lots via Facebook.

Big Lots isn't any different from other retail stores that have had a decline in sales. The cost of groceries, alone, is enough to keep customers away who are watching their budgets.

Big Lots acquires overstock and closeout merchandise from other retailers at lower prices and resells it at discount rates.

Big Lots missed its sales goals in its first quarter this year. This was mostly due to customers not spending as much, especially on the items that cost more.

Several media resources have been reporting that Big Lots plans to close over 300 stores. Big Lots claims most of its stores are profitable but it also has stores that are underperforming.

A Big Lots store in Connecticut.Photo byMike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

For dedicated store associates affected by closures, Big Lots plans to support those who are hard-working. The store will accepts transfer requests to other locations. A severance will be given to those who aren't able to transfer.

The following Big Lots locations in Missouri will be closing:

• 4201 S Noland Road in Independence
• 3225 Missouri Boulevard in Jefferson City
• 13637 Washington Street in Kansas City
• 1417 North Belt Highway in St. Joseph
• 4433 Lemay Ferry Road in St. Louis
• 4930 Christy Boulevard, Ste. 2 in St. Louis

The Big Lots store location at 4826 North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City, Missouri was not on the list and appears to remain open. This store also receives a lot of traffic.

California is the hardest hit with 75 of its 109 locations closing. So far, it looks like stores in 35 states will be closing. Big Lots is forced to cut costs because it also has financial issues. The closing of stores will help keep the chain above water.

With the closing of a significant number of stores, the chain hopes to put itself in a position to gain some long-term success. If Big Lots focuses on the profitable locations, it can reduce overhead costs and help it pull through today's economy.

As a popular discount retail store, with the closure of underperforming stores, it can focus on the remaining locations. It can improve product selections and work on marketing strategies to help retain its customers.

Closing stores had to be a difficult decision but it avoids having to file for bankruptcy which would have bring about more consequences for its business and its stakeholders.

Big Lots is headquarded in Columbus, Ohio. When its first store opened in 1982, it was called Odd Lots. Big Lots is publicly traded.

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