BIG Lots has been making headlines in recent weeks as it continues to close stores across the country.
The big-box retailer shocked its longtime customers when it revealed that its charity, the Big Lots Foundation, was partnering with the Bret Michaels Life Rocks Foundation for a private concert in Columbus, Ohio.
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Big Lots has ten stores in the state of Ohio, although tensions continue to rise for both shoppers and employees as the retail giant closes store after store across the US.
Consumers were equally shocked to discover that the retailer appeared to be focused on spending its limited funds not on employee salaries, new store locations or improvements to its existing stores, but on a knockout party, complete with a huge rock star. .
On Monday, July 22, Bret Michaels shared a photo of himself on stage in front of a raucous crowd on his Instagram.
“Big Lots – are you ready for nothing but fun?” Poison frontman and Rock of Love star captioned your post.
“So excited to be in Columbus, Ohio tonight for a private event with all the amazing people @biglots,” he added, alongside a guitar emoji.
“I look forward to the Bret Michaels Life Rocks Foundation and Big Lots Foundation working together to support many causes – one of the main ones, being important to me as the son of a veteran, is veterans organizations.”
Michaels’ charity “supports and helps injured veterans, as well as many other charities close to Michaels’ heart,” according to Look for the stars.
Big Lots also states that it gives back to several national partners in its websiteincluding Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the American Heart Association and Feeding America.
“It will be a night of high energy, great songs and a big party with a purpose,” Michaels added.
“It’s going to be great to see some friends and have an unbelievable party, nothing but fun!”
It is unclear whether the party was involved in or free to Big Lots employees, or whether the Big Lots Foundation and/or Bret Michaels’ Life Rocks Foundation sold tickets to benefit their various charitable endeavors.
“Parti-Gras starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time,” he added, before listing upcoming show dates in Canada, Montana and Illinois.
The US Sun reached out to Big Lots, the Big Lots, Inc. Foundation and Bret Michaels’ Life Rocks Foundation for additional information and was unable to reach any representatives for the retailer or both charities.
The next day, Bret shared another photo from the Big Lots show, showing himself leaning in to shake hands with some people in the huge crowd.
Big Lots bankruptcy fears
Big Lots has warned that it may have to close up to 40 locations this year.
The discount retailer opened up about its financial struggles in its recent regulatory filing.
“By 2024, we currently expect to open three stores and close 35 to 40 stores,” Big Lots bosses wrote.
But questions remain about its “current cash and liquidity projections,” according to the document.
There are “substantial doubts about the company’s ability to continue operating,” according to court documents.
Big Lots operates more than 1,300 stores in 48 states and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
“The company suffered net losses and used cash on operating activities in 2022, 2023 and the first quarter of 2024,” the network wrote.
The retailer blamed its financial problems on “continuous [economic] factors” amid falling sales.
But there was hope of a turnaround through cost reduction and increased sales.
“The company intends to vigorously pursue its plans to increase its liquidity [and] improve business performance,” the court documents said.
Big Lots hopes to save the company by profiting from some of its properties, through “outright sale or sale and leaseback opportunities.”
“Bret Michaels and the Big Lots Foundation throw a party celebrating the incredible money raised for Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Veterans, along with the Bret Michaels Life Rocks Foundation – a party with a purpose!”
“See you next year with an even bigger surprise,” he added.
Bret’s fans and followers on social media were quick to congratulate the singer and TV personality on his big heart.
“YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL !!! I WANT TO BE THERE,” wrote one user.
“Love you Bret,” another user commented.
“Bret, you have a beautiful heart and soul. God bless you!!” another user shared.
“Party NO BRET,” another user commented alongside a fire emoji.
The Big Lots Instagram account even commented on Michaels’ photo, posting an orange heart and a “rock on” emoji.
Michaels also shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the show on his Instagram Stories, reposting a fan selfie that showed him smiling in front of hundreds of spectators.
Both Michaels and Big Lots were tagged in the post, with Michaels adding music from Poison’s hit single Nothin’ But a Good Time to the post.
“WHAT A FREAKIN EXPLOSION!” Bret shared.
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Other posts from his Instagram highlights, titled “Parti-Gras 2024,” share photos and videos of Michaels performing in front of large crowds at venues across the country.
The concert-party hybrid, although for charity, comes at a crucial time for Big Lots.
Earlier this month, Big Lots revealed it would close an additional 40 stores before the end of 2024, blaming inflation and rising operating costs.
The company has not announced whether it plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but as store closures continue, it wouldn’t be unprecedented for the retailer to explore all of its options.
It’s unclear how much money Big Lots, the Big Lots Foundation and Bret Michaels’ Life Rocks Foundation spent on this party, or whether Michaels was paid to perform at the event.
Despite being tagged in several posts – and commenting on one of Michaels’ Instagram photos, Big Lots also did not publicize the show on its public social media pages or website.
The retailer also did not republish any photos or videos from the event.
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