Despite announcing nationwide going out of business sales right before Christmas, Big Lots has reached a deal to keep hundreds of its stores open. The retailer announced a transaction with Boston-based asset liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners on Friday.

Variety Wholesalers owns more than 400 retail stores in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states that operate under the names Roses, Roses Express, Maxway, Bill's Dollar Stores, Super 10, Super Dollar and Bargain Town. Variety Wholesalers stores only go as far north as Virginia.

Variety Wholesalers, based in Henderson, N.C., plans to operate stores under the Big Lots brand, may continue to employ current Big Lots employees.

Less than 10 days after Big Lots announced a purchase agreement had fallen through, the discount retailer has agreed to a new deal.

Variety Wholesalers, based in Henderson, N.C., plans to operate stores under the Big Lots brand, may continue to employ current Big Lots employees.

Variety Wholesalers, based in Henderson in Vance County, already owns Roses and has now agreed to buy hundreds of Big Lots stores — and keep them open, saving “thousands of jobs.”

Big Lots has a new deal in place that could save 200 of its stores across the country. Will the Philadelphia-area locations set for closure be among them?

Discount retailer Big Lots has secured a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to rescue hundreds of its stores and safeguard thousands of jobs following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September.

Because of a sale brought about by global asset and real estate consulting firm Gordon Brothers, between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores will remain open.