Big Lots filed for bankruptcy last year and the company was purchased recently by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, however, the distribution center in Durant that opened in 2004 will be closing with the loss of approximately 350 jobs.
The retail store in Durant is also closing. Oklahoma Works hosted a job fair on Jan. 22 for those impacted by by the Big Lots Distribution Center closure.
Durant Mayor Martin Tucker talked about the closures during a Durant Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors meeting last week.
“Its a big impact for the City of Durant but one of those things we don’t have any control over, either,” Tucker said. “It’s a statement of business. It is what it is.”
Tucker said that people have reached out to economic development director Kathy Moore and expressed interest in using the facility.
“Big Lots was good corporate citizens, good people,” Tucker said. “We’re thankful for them. I wish it would have ended differently but again, we’re just not in control of those things. So, finally I will say again, Kathy’s got so many things that are coming to Durant. People are looking at Durant. You guys are doing a great job of making this a place that more want to come and start a business. So, please keep that up.”
According to Moore, there is an international company interested in Durant starting with 300-500 jobs that would increase to 1,000 jobs in less than three years.
“As far as the loss of Big Lots in our community, I would like to share with you, that company and their owners and those that work along with them, I wish you could see their kindness and their thoughtfulness toward the City of Durant and their character,” Moore said. “I do truly believe that it’s a loss for Durant to not have Big Lots after so long.”