Big Lots is closing more stores than it initially announced. The Columbus-based retailer, which is in the midst of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, now is closing at least 344 stores nationwide.

We’ll talk about the past, present and future of Big Lots, which includes its purchase by a private equity firm.

Struggling closeout retailer Big Lots filed for bankruptcy protection Monday, saying it's been hurt by inflation and high interest rates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Discount retailer Big Lots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as it contends with a pullback in consumer spending and soft sales. The Columbus, Ohio-based company plans to sell its assets and ongoing business operations to private equity firm Nexus Capital Management.

The bankruptcy filing comes days after Big Lots said it was closing its distribution center in west Columbus, leaving nearly 400 people without jobs.

For bargain hunters, Big Lots has long been a haven for furniture, home goods, and seasonal finds at rock-bottom prices. But in a cruel twist of fate, the discount retailer itself couldn’t withstand the rising tide of inflation.

Two Big Lots locations in northern Nevada are shuttered as the discounter retail closes more than 300 stores nationwide.The locations in Lemmon Valley and on S