The Florida Big Lots Stores That Are Closing
Are you a Big Lots shopper? Your time might be running short to grab some bargains. Channel 8 reports the retail chain that deals in a lot of closeout items is closing even more of their locations around the United States. About a dozen are on the chopping block here in Florida. Which Florida Big Lots stores are shutting down? There’s a little big of good news if you’re a Tampa area Big Lots shopper.
Big Lots stores sell everything from sports equipment to household essentials, grocery items, toys, beauty care, stuff for pets and your patio, and mattresses. But many have turned to buying things online. With websites like Amazon delivering items to shoppers’ doorstep, it’s been tough for brick and mortar stores to get people to come in.
Here’s the good news. None of the Florida Big Lots stores that are closing are in our area, according to the story. Tampa area Big Lots look like they’ll be spared from the closures. Currently there are 106 Big Lots locations in Florida, according to their website.
Here in our area there are Big Lots stores in Tampa (Tampa has 3 of them actually), Brandon, Brooksville, Clearwater, Lakeland, Largo, New Port Richey, Plant City, Port Richey, Spring Hill, Ruskin and Zephyrhills. So far those all seem to be safe from the closures. But the full list of stores that are officially confirmed to be closing hasn’t been released yet.
The Florida Big Lots stores that are closing
Channel 8 says Big Lots stores in Boca Raton, Bonita Springs, Clewiston, Coconut Creek, Destin, Hallandale, Hollywood, Miami Lakes, Orange Park, Orlando (specifically, the Big Lots location at Waterbridge Downs), and Pompano Beach are the ones that’ll be shutting down. They say they primarily compiled that list from store Facebook pages that announced their location’s upcoming closure.
4 Tampa Bay Area Malls That Have Closed Down
East Lake Square Mall
East Lake Square Mall was opened in 1976. It was the first regional mall on Tampa’s eastside. East Lake was home to Dillards, Montgomery Ward, JCPenney and Service Merchandise. In 1988 less people started shopping because Brandon Town Center opened up nearby. In 1999 they turned it into a technology office campus called Netpark.
Lakeland Mall
In 1974, Lake Parker Mall became Lakeland Mall. The mall started to decline when Woolco closed which was one of their popular stores. Although they replaced Woolco with Sam’s Club, it still could not compete with Lakeland Square mall. Lakeland Square was much larger. After sitting vacant for many years, in 1999 Lakeland Mall became a mega church called the First Baptist Church. 
Pinellas Park Mall
Pinellas Park Mall was opened in 1977 at Us 19 and Gandy Boulevard. In 1977 the mall started to suffer due to the closing of Montgomery Ward. The mall closed after Dillard’s closed down in 2004. Pinellas Park Mall is now called the Shoppes at park place. You know, the shopping plaza with the big Target.
Tampa Bay Center
In 1976 the Tampa Bay Center opened up. The Tampa Bay Center was Tampa’s 4th major mall. In 1994 they were accused of racism after they closed early to avoid being packed with fans who were going to the Florida classic. The Florida Classic is a game between FAMU and Bethune Cookman ( Both historically black colleges) The mall was close by the Tampa stadium which always hosted the games. In 2005 the mall was demolished and turned into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training facility.
