Big Lots, the discount retail chain known for budget-friendly shopping, is trimming its brick-and-mortar presence across several states, including Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As reported by CBS Boston, Massachusetts will bid farewell to several outlets in Ashland, Dennis Port, Northampton, Seekonk, and West Springfield with an additional store closure in Claremont, New Hampshire. The Big Lots website itself reflects these changes, declaring a discount of up to 20% off as these locations wind down operations.

The exact date these stores will close their doors for good remains unspecified, though inquiries have been made by WBZ-TV to the company for clarifications. This series of closures form part of a larger reduction strategy by Big Lots, as the company previously disclosed its intention to shut down about 315 locations in an effort to "aggressively address unperforming stores," as per a regulatory filing noted on August 2, 2024. This is a significant increase from the modest number of 40 locations initially reported as struggling, as noted by CBS Boston.

The decision comes in the wake of considerable financial strains for Big Lots, which reported a net loss of $205 million for the quarter ending May 4, 2024. Big Lots' CEO Bruce Thorn has attributed these losses in part to a "continued pullback in consumer spending." Following these results, the company expressed "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue operations, raising concerns over its long-term viability, according to CBS Boston.

Despite the winding down of numerous sites, the retail chain will maintain a presence in Massachusetts, with 18 stores expected to remain in locales such as Attleboro, Billerica, and Danvers among others. In New Hampshire, shoppers can still frequent Big Lots in Belmont, Derry, Goffstown, Nashua, and Rochester. The impacted locations have been flagged on the company's online presence, simply stating, 'CLOSING THIS LOCATION.'

As retail dynamics shift and the consumer landscape continues to evolve, companies like Big Lots find themselves reassessing their footprint within the industry. The closure of these Big Lots stores contributes to a broader trend that has seen other regional chains, like Bob's Stores and Christmas Tree Shops, shutter their own doors in recent times throughout Massachusetts.