As one Wilmington Big Lots to reopen soon, another former location will have a new tenant
By Cheryl M. Whitaker
Published: May 5, 2025
Work has started to reopen a former Wilmington Big Lots location, while another could become home to a farmer supply store.
Signs have been placed at the former Big Lots at 6832 Market St. at Ogden Plaza signaling “the comeback starts soon” and “now hiring.”
As for the former Big Lots location at Long Leaf Mall on Shipyard Boulevard, it is slated to become a Tractor Supply Co., according to a USA TODAY report.
Here’s the latest.
When will the Big Lots reopen?
The Big Lots (store number 3227) at Ogden Plaza will be reopening on Thursday, June 5, according to Jeff King, vice president of sales and marketing for Variety Wholesalers.
The store is hiring. Hours to stop in for an application are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday or you can call 910-679-0514 to schedule an interview.
When will Tractor Supply open on Shipyard?
It’s unknown as of Monday, May 5, when Tractor Supply will open at Long Leaf Mall. For now, the Big Lots sign remains on the building.
Tractor Supply confirmed to USA TODAY that it purchased 18 Big Lots leases in 15 states. One of those is at 4310 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington, formerly Big Lots.
“These locations offer the ideal footprint, feature favorable lease terms, are strategically positioned in existing and adjacent trade areas to serve the essential needs of farmers, livestock and pet owners, ranchers, part-time and hobby farmers, gardeners, homeowners, tradesmen, and others,” a spokesperson for the company said.
Have other Wilmington-area Big Lots reopened?
In a wave of openings across the country, Big Lots returned to its Southport location at 4956 Long Beach Road, SE Suite 8.
What happened to Big Lots?
The company filed for bankruptcy and closed some locations in 2024. Nine Big Lots locations in six states reopened on April 10, and the company reopened others on May 1. Two more rounds of openings are set to take place through early June.
The openings come months after Big Lots announced its sale to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. As part of the deal, Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 Big Lots stores, as well as two distribution centers.
Variety Wholesalers, Inc. is a leading discount retailer with more than 400 stores across 18 states. Its retail brands include Big Lots, Roses Discount Stores, Roses Express and Maxway.
Are there other Tractor Supply locations in the area?
The Shipyard store would mark the chain’s second spot in New Hanover County, joining a location at 3400 Castle Hayne Road in Castle Hayne.
There are three in Brunswick County: Leland (1123 Clapboard Lane), Southport (5049 Southport Crossings Way) and Shallotte (5100 Main St.). Pender County has two locations: Hampstead (22761 U.S. 17) and Rocky Point (1416 Porters Lane Road).