Kansas City Says Goodbye to Big Lots Stores
Kansas City locals are waking up to the news that the beloved discount retail chain, Big Lots, is closing its last stores in the area. As part of a sweeping wave of closures, residents will soon have to bid farewell to the Big Lots locations at 7408 Nieman Road in Shawnee and 603 U.S. Highway 40 in Blue Springs.
Goodbye to Shawnee and Blue Springs
According to recent bankruptcy court filings, the Shawnee location is expected to close its doors in January. Staff at this store have been seen preparing for the big farewell, and they are currently offering discounts of up to 20% off across the store. Shoppers can find deals on a variety of items, including clothes, home goods, toys, and more. It’s a bittersweet combination of savings and sadness as everyone anticipates the final shopping days.
The Blue Springs store is also on the chopping block; however, the manager chose not to comment on the timeline for its closure. In fact, over the past few weeks, customers have witnessed several other locations receiving similar notices. This includes the Lee’s Summit store at 901 E. Langsford Road, the Northland store at 4826 N. Oak Trafficway, and the Olathe store at 140 S. Clairborne Road.
Mixed Feelings for Employees
Employees at both the Lee’s Summit and Northland locations expressed their uncertainty about their final days on the job, indicating that no firm dates have been set. Those working at the Olathe store had previously shared that they expected to close their doors before Thanksgiving. All this change leaves the staff feeling a mix of emotions as they prepare to say their goodbyes to loyal customers.
A Long History and Recent Struggles
The closure of these Big Lots stores marks a significant moment for the 56-year-old Ohio-based retailer. Once a staple for budget-friendly shopping, Big Lots has been grappling with difficulty in meeting sales expectations for the past few years, leading to drastic measures. The wave of closures started during summer, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing in September.
Across the country, many stores have been shutting down as part of the company’s reorganization plan. Reports suggest that the retailer is planning to close more than 340 stores, while around 1,400 remain open nationwide, employing about 30,000 individuals. This has raised concerns about how these changes will affect the communities that depend on these stores for affordable shopping options.
What’s Next for Kansas City Shoppers?
For Kansas City residents who are accustomed to shopping at Big Lots, the closest remaining stores will now be located in Topeka and Sedalia. It’s a big adjustment for those who rely on the chain for everything from goods for their homes to holiday gifts.
As we witness the gradual fade of the Big Lots presence in our community, shoppers may need to start exploring other local and online options to find the affordable deals they once enjoyed at the nearby stores. It seems that a change is on the horizon, and while it’s undoubtedly sad to see a long-standing retailer disappear from our neighborhood, Kansas City will continue to adapt and find new ways to get the best bargains.
Final Thoughts
The time has come for Kansas City to say goodbye to Big Lots, but as the community reflects on the memories made within those familiar walls, shoppers can still find value in the deals available before the store closures. So, don’t forget to swing by this January for one last shopping spree, because by then, those deals might be even sweeter!
