COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots announced that it is closing its distribution center in west Columbus, leaving nearly 400 people without jobs.
The Columbus-based company filed a notice to the City of Columbus on Wednesday. The letter did not provide a reason for closing the distribution center at 300 Phillipi Rd., but the company said the closure will be completed no later than Oct. 31.
Big Lots said the 379 workers employed at the center will receive benefits and pay through Nov. 3.
In July, the company said it planned to close up to 315 stores — some of which are in Ohio — to “aggressively address underperforming stores.”
There are eight stores in Ohio that are set to close, according to the chain’s website:
- 11372 Princeton Pike Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
- 9690 Colerain Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45251
- 359 Miamisburg Centerville Rd Dayton, Ohio 45459
- 1520 N Clinton St Defiance, Ohio 43512
- 1170 Indiana Ave Saint Marys, Ohio 45885
- 410 E Perkins Ave Sandusky, Ohio 44870
- 4925 Jackman Rd Toledo, Ohio 43613
- 7779 Tylersville Rd West Chester, Ohio 45069
Big Lots reported a net loss of $205 million in the quarter ending May 4, 2024.
Ned Hill, professor of economic development at Ohio State, said the retail space has gone through an earthquake. He said that large retail companies are competing with the convenience of online shopping.
"A lot of big box stores have found that they've got too much retail space, if you own a lot of that space or you got long-term rents what will happen, the only way you will get out of that contract or agreement is thru bankruptcy procedures," Hill said.
He said Columbus is one of the largest retail locations.
“We are the second or third largest location when it comes to employment when it comes to managing retail, when the industry as a whole gets hit, we're gonna get hit,” Hill said.
Big Lots is also competing with other retail stores in the area.
“In Columbus, you have Ikea sitting there and you don't really think about them being in the same spot, but their price points aren’t that much off. Big Lots really depends on being able to be cheaper than their competition, when that margin goes away, somebody is gonna lose,” said Hill.
President and CEO Bruce Thorn stated that the company's sales had taken a hit "due largely to a continued pullback in consumer spending by our core customers, particularly in high ticket discretionary items."
Most of the store closures appear to be in California, Florida, Washington and Arizona. Big Lots operates 1,389 stores nationwide.
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