A major discount retailer is closing stores nationwide

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Big Lots is in the news again, and unfortunately, it's not for good reasons. The discount retailer has confirmed that it's closing several stores across the country, with the latest one set to shut its doors in Atascadero, California.

The Atascadero location, about 100 miles north of Santa Barbara, will soon be closing, though an exact date hasn't been announced. Shoppers are already seeing signs about the closure outside the store, and the store is offering a 20% discount on most items as a farewell gesture. The yellow sign outside the store has made it clear that this will be the only Big Lots in the area to close.

Locals are expressing their disappointment online. One person shared, “Atascadero is the best Big Lots around, so clean and well organized. I’ll miss it.” Another commenter noted, “One of my favorite places to shop in Santa Maria, Calif.”

This closure is part of a larger wave of store closures for Big Lots, which has confirmed plans to shut down 35 to 40 locations this year. Despite the cutbacks, the company has stated it will also open three new stores. The struggles come as Big Lots grapples with rising inflation and financial losses, including a reported $205 million in losses for the first quarter of 2024. In 2023 alone, the chain closed 52 stores.

Currently, Big Lots operates 1,389 stores nationwide. If you’re a regular shopper at one of their locations, these closures might hit close to home. What are your thoughts on these changes? Drop a comment below and let us know how you feel about Big Lots scaling back its operations.