Pressure Washing in Statesboro, GA

The discount chain Big Lots, which filed for bankruptcy protection in September, has reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open.

No announcement has been made about which of the 869 Big Lots stores currently open around the nation would remain open. Last week, holiday season sale signs were taken down at the store in the Statesboro Square Shopping Center off Northside Drive and a large, yellow “CLOSING” sign was posted at the entrance.

On Tuesday morning, the closing sign was still up at the store next to Ocean Galley restaurant, along with additional store closing and discount signs.

After filing for bankruptcy in September, Big Lots announced last week it was beginning “going-out-of-business” sales at its remaining stores. But the store chain said Friday it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm that specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers will then transfer Big Lots’ stores, distribution centers and other assets to other retailers.

Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand. Variety Wholesalers will also acquire up to two distribution centers.

“This sale agreement and transfer present the strongest opportunity to preserve jobs, maximize value for the estate and ensure continuity of the Big Lots brand,” Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn said in a statement. "We are grateful to our associates nationwide for their grit and resilience throughout this process.”

The Statesboro Big Lots remained open after the discount retailer closed more than 500 of its 1,400 stores across the country in September and October. Big Lots has been open in Statesboro Square for more than two decades.

Back in September, eight stores in Georgia, including locations in Decatur, Fayetteville, Roswell, Savannah, Stockbridge, Stone Mountain, Thomson and Waynesboro, were closed. Along with Statesboro, Big Lots in Vidalia and Hinesville stayed open.

Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots sells furniture, home decor and other items. When it filed for bankruptcy in September, it said inflation and high interest rates caused consumers to pull back on their purchases of home and seasonal products, two categories the chain depends on for a significant part of its revenue.

According to data from Coresight Research, a consumer insights group, brick-and-mortar retail stores in general took another series of blows in 2024, with 49 retail bankruptcies in the United States, compared with 25 retail bankruptcies tracked in 2023

Coresight confirmed more than 7,300 store closings this year, led by Family Dollar, with 718, followed by CVS, with 586, and Big Lots, with 580.

That compares with 4,627 store closings across the retail industry by the same time last year, Coresight said.

A company that produces special materials to contain fires in electric vehicles has ceased construction of its partially built Georgia factory, jeopardizing a project that promised to employ 250 workers.

Executives at Massachusetts-based Aspen Aerogels said Thursday during an investor call that the company is indefinitely halting construction on its 500,000-square-foot factory near Register, which is about 12 miles outside of Statesboro.

The factory had already broken ground and received approval for a $671 million federal loan to assist with construction last fall. The loan was part of a flurry of construction financing approved for clean tech projects in the waning months of the Biden administration.

Ricardo Rodriguez, Aspen Aerogels’ chief financial officer and treasurer, told investors that the company has decided to shift investment to its existing facility in Rhode Island, aiming to maximize its capacity. The long-term future of the Georgia factory site, which was slated to become the company’s second production facility, is now unclear.

“(Aspen Aerogels) will be assessing options to derive value from the assets in Statesboro, including relocating some equipment to upgrade and expand its existing plant (in Rhode Island),” the company said.

Rodriguez added the company has tried to “right-time” the construction of its Georgia factory in light of “a reset in EV demand expectations.” While EV sales have continued to increase in the U.S., it’s been at a slower rate than industry experts expected.

The Boston Business Journal was the first outlet to cover the halted construction announcement. Aspen Aerogels couldn’t immediately be reached for comment

It’s the second large planned Georgia factory to either pause or scuttle its plans in recent weeks, following Freyr Battery’s decision to abandon its $2.6 billion factory in Coweta County. Both projects fell under the clean tech umbrella, an industry that Georgia leaders have heavily courted in recent years, especially across the battery and EV production supply chains.

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Gov. Brian Kemp’s office and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which announced the factory plans in 2022, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Aspen Aerogels has not reached out to end its commitment to the state. The project, like many large industrial developments, was offered an incentive package in exchange for the company’s promise to build in Georgia and employ scores of workers.

A Georgia Department of Economic Development spokesperson said Aspen Aerogels was approved for a $1 million reimbursement grant for equipment and machinery tied to the project, but the company had not drawn any funds as of Thursday. The value of the total incentive package was not immediately available.

The Development Authority of Bulloch County, another government entity that helped recruit Aspen Aerogels, said it’s disappointed the project has stalled. Benjy Thompson, the authority’s CEO, said local taxpayers aren’t on the hook if the pause becomes permanent.

“Taxpayer protection is a priority,” Thompson said. “And should the project not move forward any further, clawback provisions are in place to recoup the local investment.”

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The way incentives are structured in Georgia, partner companies only receive the bulk of their tax savings and other inducements upon delivering their development promises. The state’s agreement with Aspen Aerogels requires the company to deliver its investment and jobs by the end of 2027.

This Saturday, Statesboro residents have two opportunities to experience the excitement surrounding the new Flight Factory project from Zero Gravity Outreach: a family-friendly community day from 1-5 PM and a high-energy "Base to the Future" event with live DJs and laser lights from 7-10 PM. Both free events offer a glimpse into the future of this ambitious downtown revitalization project at 100 N. Mulberry Street.

DeWayne Grice

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A vision has been cast that has poised Downtown Statesboro for a major transformation with the announcement of the “Flight Factory,” an ambitious community project spearheaded by Zero Gravity Outreach. This innovative venture aims to revitalize a historic area while providing a vibrant hub for recreation, arts, and community engagement.

Tim Wilkinson of Zero Gravity Outreach is leading the effort, and needs community support and investment for the ambitious $8 million, Christian themed, entertainment facility. They are hosting two free community events on Saturday to introduce their vision.

Community Launch Events This Saturday:

This Saturday, January 18, 2025 the community is invited, rain or shine, to experience a preview of the Flight Factory at two free events:

Both events are free to attend, with opportunities to purchase food and make donations.

The Flight Factory

The proposed Flight Factory will be located at 100 North Mulberry Street, on a six-acre site encompassing the old peanut warehouse facility in the center of downtown Statesboro. The Flight Factory represents a significant investment in Statesboro’s future. Zero Gravity Outreach, known for its nationwide work and connections within the extreme sports and entertainment industries, is establishing its headquarters here, bringing its expertise and vision to its hometown.

Their vision is to create a safe, positive, and, most importantly, fun environment for people of all ages. The Flight Factory will offer a unique blend of indoor and outdoor attractions:

This $8 million project is a significant undertaking, and Zero Gravity Outreach, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is actively seeking community support. They have established a “Legacy Donor Program,” offering various levels of recognition for contributions, ensuring that donors’ support is acknowledged for the long term.

Learn more about how you can help

To learn more about the Flight Factory, donate, or get involved, visit zerogravityoutreach.com or follow them on social media (search for “Zero Gravity Outreach”). You can also find them at the site itself: 100 N. Mulberry Street. The organization encourages everyone to spread the word and be a part of this exciting new chapter for Statesboro.