Attorney General Michelle Henry is notifying Pennsylvania consumers that Big Lots — one of the nation’s largest closeout retailers — recently announced that it could close the remainder of its stores amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

That means all remaining 64 Big Lots stores in Pennsylvania could be closing, so Attorney General Henry is offering the following guidance:

• Make purchases by credit card, so consumers can dispute a purchase, if needed;

• Check the store’s return and refund policies

• Check the store’s gift card and rewards policies

• Before purchase, confirm inventory if making a “buy-online-pickup-in-store”

A federal bankruptcy court previously authorized Big Lots to conduct going-out-of-business sales at all of its remaining stores, which began Dec. 20, 2024.

The bankruptcy court has established an amended deadline of Jan. 31 for consumers, who may have claims against Big Lots, to file a Proof of Claim.

Consumers can file a Proof of Claim electronically by going to the Delaware Bankruptcy Court’s website at https://www.deb.uscourts.gov/claims-information or by going to the bankruptcy administrator’s website at https://cases.ra.kroll.com/biglots/EPOC-Index.

Consumers should consult with a private attorney to ensure that their rights are preserved in the bankruptcy proceeding or if they have additional questions about their rights under the bankruptcy proceeding.

People who have been impacted by the closure of Big Lots should submit a complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection online or they may call our Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555.