Aldi Acquires Three Big Lots Locations
As Aldi’s 2025 store expansion plans continue to move forward, the discount grocer has made a new acquisition, purchasing three former Big Lots locations.
According to USA Today, which cited documents related to Big Lots’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Aldi has purchased stores in Denham Springs, La.; Taylor, Mich.; and Nacogdoches, Texas.
The acquisition of the three Big Lots stores, while noteworthy, pales in comparison to Aldi’s overall growth plans. Earlier this year, the grocer announced plans to open more than 225 stores as the next step in its five-year national growth strategy. The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and the conversion of select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the Aldi format. In total, Aldi will convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations through 2027.
As part of its strategy, Aldi sold off approximately 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores that are not part of the Aldi conversion plan to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership, and private investors.
Since Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September 2024, numerous stores from the closeout retailer have been acquired by chains including Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, Tractor Supply, and Burlington.
Additionally, Variety Wholesalers reached a deal to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, along with up to two distribution centers. Variety owns more than 400 retail stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. under the Roses, Roses Express, Maxway, Bill's Dollar Stores, Super 10, Super Dollar, and Bargain Town banners.
This month, Variety is reopening 132 Big Lots stores in 14 states.
