Well-known retail chain shutters a dozen Arizona stores amidst nationwide retail shakeup

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If you're a fan of Big Lots or just keeping an eye on the retail scene, there's some big news hitting Arizona. Big Lots, the well-known retail chain, is closing 12 of its Arizona stores. That's right—12 locations across the state are shutting their doors as the company tries to navigate some rough waters.

Big Lots has been struggling with declining sales and revenue at these specific stores. The company currently operates 34 stores in Arizona, but now, 12 of these are marked as “Closing This Location” on their website. Ouch!

If you’re near any of these closing stores, it might be worth a trip. Big Lots is offering up to 20% off on everything as they liquidate their inventory. So, if you’ve got some shopping to do, you might score some deals before these stores close their doors for good.

Here’s where you can expect to see the Big Lots signs come down:

• Flagstaff – 1416 E. Route 66
• Glendale – 17510 N. 75th Ave.
• Laveen – 3630 W. Baseline Rd.
• Mesa – 2840 E. Main St.
• East Mesa (Sunvalley Square) – 6839 E. Main St.
• Peoria – 24760 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy
• Phoenix (2020 N. 75th Ave.)
• North Phoenix – 230 E. Bell Rd.
• Phoenix (2330 W. Bethany Home Rd.)
• Northeast Phoenix – 4727 East Bell Rd.
• Phoenix (4835 E. Ray Rd.)
• Scottsdale – 10220 N. 90th St.
• Tucson – 4525 N. Oracle Rd.

This closure wave isn’t just a local thing. Big Lots is also shuttering stores nationwide. According to their recent filing with the SEC, the company plans to close between 35 to 40 stores this year, but they're also looking to open three new ones. It’s all part of a strategy to fine-tune their operations and concentrate on their more profitable spots.

The latest SEC report revealed that Big Lots saw a 10.2% dip in sales between the first quarters of 2023 and 2024, which translates to a hefty $114.5 million loss. With these store closures and a few new openings, Big Lots is trying to rebalance its retail footprint and tackle the recent slump in sales and profitability.

So, if you’ve got a Big Lots store near you that’s on the chopping block, be sure to catch the deals before they’re gone. And stay tuned for more updates as the retail landscape continues to shift!

What do you think of this retail shakeup? Got any favorite Big Lots finds you’ll miss? Let me know!