BIG GOODBYE: National Discount Chain Closing 4 Michigan Locations

I'm afraid I don't have good news for Michigan bargain hunters. After closing 52 stores nationwide in 2023 and announcing in late June 2024 that they'd be closing another 35 - 40 locations, it looks like the hammer has dropped on at least four Michigan stores.

Related: Big Lots on the Brink: Popular Michigan Discount Stores Closing?

It's becoming an all-too-familiar sight: The "Store Closing" signs are up, and stoplights are now crowded with even more signs held by hourly workers hoping to lure commuters into the sale. Another national retailer is joining Rite Aid, CVS, and Family Dollar by shuttering a Mid-Michigan location.

Big Lots Closing Grand River Avenue Big Lots in Okemos, Michigan

I first learned of the impending closure of Big Lots' Grand River Avenue location in Okemos when I saw a man with a stick and a sign at a corner near the store. "Entire Store up to 20% OFF," it announced in attention-getting black and red font. Upon further inspection, the sign also read, "This location only."

So, curious and suddenly craving a great deal on discontinued items, I made a beeline for Big Lots to get a couple of questions answered. Upon reaching the front door, my first question was answered. A bright yellow sign let shoppers know that while the Grand River Avenue location in Okemos was closing, the Saginaw Highway store in Lansing will remain open (but for how long?).

I ventured inside the now-doomed location and sought out an answer to my second question: "When will you be closing?" I asked a couple of Big Lots associates and was finally told they weren't sure, but they thought it would be sometime in August or September of 2024. Having seen a few sales like this, I can confidently say they will close when they've cleared enough remaining inventory.

According to The Hill, Big Lots will also close its locations in Kentwood, Portage, and Ypsilanti.

Related: 10 Items You Surprisingly Can't Return To Michigan Walmart Stores

With these 4 impending store closures, Big Lots, which started 2024 with 46 locations in the Mitten State, will reduce that number to 42. Thankfully, for the Big Lots faithful, we still have several stores to explore, but keep scrolling for 50 brands that weren't so lucky.