Big Lots in Vinton celebrated its “come back” with a grand opening and ribbon cutting with the
Town of Vinton and the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 30. The store has opened
under the new ownership of Variety Wholesalers, Inc., known by many as “America’s best
closeout retailer.”
Over 200 Big Lots stores now operate in 15 states across the Mid-Atlantic, southeastern and
midwestern states. They all celebrated their grand openings at 9 a.m. on the same day.
The store had a soft opening several months ago and, according to President and CEO Lisa
Seigies, “Employees have been busy stocking shelves, setting up displays, expanding furniture,
along with seasonal treasures, home décor, everyday essentials, apparel, toys, and closeouts you
won’t find anywhere else.”
She said the grand opening celebrated a milestone for the company and the community.
Dignitaries attending the grand opening included Vinton Mayor Brad Grose, Mike Cyrus of
Variety Wholesalers, Vinton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angie Chewning,
Special Projects Assistant to the Town Manager Jill Loope, Chamber Executive Assistant
Kathryn Sowers, and Justin Davison from the Chamber and Member One.
Lots on Oct. 30. Pictured left to right are Asst. Manager Karen Rosser, Angie Chewning, Justin
Davison, Store Associate Elizabeth Webb, Store Manager Sherri Morris, Store Associate
Kristinn Hardman, Mayor Brad Grose, Cashier Michele Baker, Kathryn Sowers, Sales Floor
Associate Crystal Rhodes, and her husband Malcolm.
Management thanked team members for their hard work and dedication to making the grand
opening possible. “You are the face of Big Lots, and I know our customers will feel your pride
and energy as soon as they walk through the doors. Thank you to our customers for welcoming
us back. We couldn’t have done this without your support.”
The Big Lots stores were purchased out of bankruptcy in 2025 by Variety Wholesalers who have
over 70 years of discount retail experience. They originated in 1930 as a small group of retail
stores owned by the Pope family. In 1949, John William Pope took over the family business, and
beginning in 1970, the company expanded by purchasing a number of other retail chains,
including the Roses Discount and Roses Express stores and the Maxway stores. Today, Variety
operates more than 400 stores across 18 states.
The first 50 customers on grand opening day were welcomed with gift bags.
The Vinton Big Lots is located at 1090 Bypass Road in the River Park Shopping Center.
