Big Lots announced in February they would be closing their Dupont Highway location in Milford within a few weeks as part of the company’s bankruptcy filing. The store closed in late mid-to late February. However, there has not been a for lease sign in the window since the store closed, causing speculation among residents that another company was already planning on moving into the space.
Rumors have abounded throughout town regarding what may come to fill the space which is large enough for many retailers. Social media has reported stores like Marshall’s or T.J. Maxx were interested while others report that Ollie’s Bargain Outlet or Job Lots would be moving into the space.
“We don’t have any information to share about this location,” Kate Murphy of Job Lots said when asked if they planned to locate in Milford. “If anything should change, we will let you know.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet did not confirm or deny that they would be moving into the location, despite repeated attempts to contact them.
“Thank you for reaching out,” Catrina Boncaldo of Marshall’s said. “Although we appreciate your inquiry, Marshall’s has not announced a new store for Milford, Delaware, at this time.”
An inquiry sent to T.J. Maxx elicited a similar response.
“No announcements for a new store in the Milford, Delaware, area have been made of this date,” Nicholas, a customer service representative for the company said. “We suggest you check our website periodically as new store openings will be listed there.”
Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September 2024 and this led to store closings as well as an acquisition by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. Variety Wholesalers took over between 200 and 400 stores, continuing to operate under the Big Lots brand. In April 2025, the company announced they would be reopening 132 stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennyslvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
A review of the Big Lots website shows that the closest location to Milford is now Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania.
