Big Lots closing 2 Stanislaus County locations. What stores will fill the gap? Who decides?

Big Lots announced its plan to close 40 locations across the United States — including some in Stanislaus County — this year due to loss of sales. But the actual number of stores closing is much higher.

The first quarter of 2024 recorded 244 underperforming Big Lots locations, according to a quarterly report . The Modesto Bee weeded through the Big Lots website and counted 144 stores across the country that are having closing sales.

In California, 54 of the state’s 109 Big Lots stores are closing — the highest number by far in any state. The Sisk Road location in Modesto and the Countryside Drive location in Turlock are the two Stanislaus County stores that will shut their doors in 2024.

The company expects to experience further operating losses, the report said. Big Lots has concluded there is a significant likelihood it will be unable to comply with its credit agreements, “which raises substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”

A closing date for either store in the county has not been announced. A Monday morning call to the Sisk Road Big Lots confirmed that employees don’t know when the store will close.

What will go in Modesto Big Lots site next?

The Sisk Road Big Lots sits in what may be considered a fairly desirable piece of business real estate. The shopping center faces Highway 99 and also houses a Target, Best Buy, Michaels, Ulta Beauty, PetSmart, Ross and TJ Maxx.

Without commenting on a specific business the city might like to see in the site next, Community & Economic Development director Jessica Hill said the city is working with commercial brokers to figure out what Modesto may be lacking and what residents want.

“(We) help facilitate conversations of potential retailers that could go in there and fill that gap,” Hill said. “I think that Big Lots being in the shopping center it is, the owners (will want) to fill that quickly.”

The city will consider inquiries of what residents have seen and wanted in Modesto and if any of those would be a good fit for the property, she said. Ultimately, any deal will be made between the property owner and the business.

The City of Turlock was not immediately reached for comment on what may happen to the Countryside Drive site after Big Lots leaves.

Where do you shop in Modesto?

Several business and restaurant chains — in addition to Big Lots — have abruptly closed locations recently for financial reasons, including 99 Cents Only Stores, Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel, Rue 21 and Conn’s HomePlus.

This begs the question: are consumers changing the way they shop and dine?

Where do you shop in Modesto? Do you still go out to eat? Do you utilize home delivery apps and online shopping websites?

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