The landscape of discount retail in the Pittsburgh area is facing a significant shift, with Big Lots announcing the closure of its Moon Township location on Gracy Center Way. This store is just one of the 293 nationwide slated to shut down, a drastic increase from the initially projected 35 to 40 closures announced last month, as reported by CBS News.

According to the company's website, the Pittsburgh-area Big Lots on Gracy Center Way is among those being closed. The site is currently running a sale, offering up to 20% off in an attempt to clear inventory. With nearly 1,400 stores operating nationwide before this closure wave, the reduction accounts for over 20% of Big Lots' retail footprint.

The specific reasons behind the store closure have not been made public. Still, Big Lots is grappling with a notable dip in sales, experiencing a 10% decrease to $1 billion in the first quarter of the year. As detailed by WTAE, the company has suffered net losses over the past two years, and the trend has continued into the first quarter of 2024. In Penn Hills, West Mifflin, and Ross Township, among several others, Big Lots locations remain operational in Allegheny County.

As consumer spending habits shift, President and CEO Bruce Thorton acknowledged the impact on the retailer. "Our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items," have pulled back their spending, Thornton said, according to a statement reported by CBS News. In the Pittsburgh area alone, Big Lots continues to serve customers in other locations including Aliquippa, Kittanning, Uniontown, Bridgeville, Washington, Butler, and Greensburg.