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.

Big Lots, which filed for bankruptcy in September, said that it reached an agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners that would keep hundreds of stores open and save thousands of jobs. The Columbus,

Bankrupt Big Lots Inc. has struck a deal to save hundreds of stores after an earlier sale of the business fell apart, saving the chain from closing down entirely.

Big Lots has struck a deal to save some stores from closing and keep the brand name alive. The discount retail chain announced late Friday that it has agreed to a sale transaction with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners,