Up to a half of Big Lots stores look set to be saved after it agreed to a transaction with Gordon Brothers Retail Partner that enables the transfer of Big Lots assets.

Less than 10 days after Big Lots announced a purchase agreement had fallen through, the discount retailer has agreed to a new deal.

Variety Wholesalers owns more than 400 retail stores in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states that operate under the names Roses, Roses Express, Maxway, Bill's Dollar Stores, Super 10, Super Dollar and Bargain Town. Variety Wholesalers stores only go as far north as Virginia.

Big Lots has been handed a lifeline by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to save some 200 to 400 stores along with the jobs of the stores' employees.

Big Lots reached an agreement to sell its assets, including its intellectual property, to real estate consulting firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners just before the end of 2024. The transaction would also include the sale of between 200 and 400 stores to Variety Wholesalers, Big Lots announced Dec. 27.

Big Lots has a new deal in place that could save 200 of its stores across the country. Will the Philadelphia-area locations set for closure be among them?

Big Lots reaches deal to keep hundreds of stores open under a chain that runs familiar discount stores in your community. Here's what we know.