Big Lots, a discount store at the Forum Shopping Center in east Bend, will close on Feb. 26, despite its corporate owners’ attempt to sell the business while in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Also closing is Joann, a craft and fabric store on SW Sixth Street in Redmond, which doesn’t have a closing date yet in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The parent company of Joann received court approval to begin the process of closing 500 stores across the country. 

Liquidation sales start this week, according to the Joann store court filings. 

Both locations occupy large retail space in Central Oregon.

Big Lots announced in 2024 that it was selling most of its stores and assets and at the same time initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. In the company’s statement announcing its need to file for bankruptcy, it said that high inflation and interest rates affected its bottom line especially since its core customers curbed discretionary spending on home and seasonal products.