
Big Lots is planning to close up to 40 stores due to ongoing inflation and a decline in consumer spending, as well as the company's financial struggles. This has led to the retailer needing to reassess its store footprint and consider closures as a result.

Big Lots cited "elevated inflation" and decreased consumer spending as the reasons for their potential company failure. This has led to a decline in sales and increased debt, raising substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue operations.

At the start of the year, Big Lots had 1,329 operating stores, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This marked a decrease from the 1,425 stores it had in the first quarter of 2023. The filing did not provide a list of the specific locations that will be closed.