The Big Lots Closure at The Bedford Plaza
The Big Lots store at 3309 16th St in Bedford, Indiana, part of The Bedford Plaza, has stood empty since its closure was announced amid the company’s nationwide downsizing. Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September 2024, and by February 2025, the Bedford location was listed among stores with leases for sale, signaling a likely permanent closure. This vacancy has left a significant 29,893-square-foot gap in a key retail hub near downtown Bedford, a block from the Lawrence County Courthouse, prompting questions about the future of this space in a town of 13,000 residents.
Commercial History of The Bedford Plaza
The Bedford Plaza, located just off State Road 37 on 16th Street (Highway 50), has been a cornerstone of Bedford’s retail landscape for decades. With a traffic count of 22,519 vehicles daily, as reported by Regency Properties in 2013, the plaza benefits from high visibility and accessibility, making it a prime spot for businesses. Historically, it hosted a mix of national chains and local establishments, including Growby’s Rent to Own (11,075 sq. ft.), Big Red Liquors (9,000 sq. ft.), Harbor Freight (15,745 sq. ft.), McAlister’s Deli (4,879 sq. ft.), Subway (1,897 sq. ft.), and Bedford Cellular (1,224 sq. ft.), alongside smaller tenants like Hope’s Organics (1,092 sq. ft.) and Tropical Sno (196 sq. ft.). Two spaces totaling 2,507 sq. ft. were available for lease in 2013, showing a healthy but not fully occupied plaza. This tenant mix highlights The Bedford Plaza’s role as a one-stop shopping destination, catering to a wide range of needs for Lawrence County residents.
The 16th Street corridor has a rich commercial history tied to Bedford’s growth as a retail center. Near the historic downtown—home to local favorites like El Rancho Del Burrito and cultural landmarks like the Lawrence County Museum of History—the plaza benefits from its proximity to both community hubs and major thoroughfares. State Road 37 ensures a steady flow of local and regional traffic, making the area a magnet for businesses.
Broader Retail Context and Challenges
The Big Lots closure reflects broader retail challenges impacting small towns like Bedford. Nationwide, Coresight Research predicts up to 15,000 store closures in 2025, more than double the 7,325 in 2024, with chains like Party City, Joann, and Macy’s also shuttering locations. Bedford feels this strain, as residents often travel to Bloomington for larger shopping needs, putting pressure on local retail to remain competitive. The Bedford Plaza’s vacancy adds to the challenge of keeping the local economy vibrant, especially as national chains struggle with shifting consumer habits and economic pressures.
Potential for the Big Lots Space
While no replacement business has been confirmed for the Big Lots space, there are signs of potential interest. Variety Wholesalers, a North Carolina-based company, has been acquiring Big Lots locations to reopen them under the Big Lots brand. As of April 2025, they plan to reopen 130 stores in May, including one in Jasper, Indiana, with 200 to 400 more stores expected to be taken over eventually. Although Bedford isn’t on the initial list, its location in a busy retail corridor makes it a candidate for future consideration, especially given Variety Wholesalers’ focus on smaller markets.
Other Commercial Developments in Bedford
Beyond the Big Lots vacancy, Bedford is seeing other retail and commercial developments that signal growth. Del Taco announced plans on February 5, 2025, to bring 10 new restaurants to Indiana, with Bedford among the target cities alongside Bloomington and Columbus. The chain, known for its Mexican-inspired fast food, is eyeing locations that could complement Bedford’s dining scene, which already includes local spots like El Rancho Del Burrito. Del Taco’s flexible location requirements and focus on multi-unit development make it a good fit for Bedford, though no specific site or timeline has been confirmed.
Closer to downtown, Radius Indiana purchased the former Times-Mail building at 813 16th St in February 2025. The organization plans to renovate the property with a new roof and exterior cleaning, then lease part of the space while using the rest for its operations, which support the Crane military installation and regional tourism. This project could draw more business activity to the 16th Street corridor, potentially benefiting The Bedford Plaza by increasing foot traffic and interest from prospective tenants.
Additionally, commercial properties along 16th Street remain in demand. A 1-acre lot near the intersection of Highway 37 and 16th Street is listed for sale, marketed as an ideal spot for a fast food restaurant, car wash, or small business. Jay C Plaza at 2605-2631 16th St, anchored by Jay C Foods, Marshalls, and Tractor Supply, has spaces available for lease, indicating ongoing interest in the area. A mixed-use property at 1018 16th St, listed for $155,000 in 2025, reflects the corridor’s historical evolution—built in 1898 as a livery stable, it later served as a roller rink, automotive dealership, and office space for companies like Indiana Gas & Water, before being sold with preservation covenants by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
Looking Ahead for Bedford’s Retail Scene
The Bedford Plaza at 3309 16th St is at a crossroads, with the empty Big Lots space awaiting a new tenant in a location with a strong commercial history. Variety Wholesalers might eventually revive the Big Lots brand here, but for now, the future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, developments like Del Taco’s potential arrival and Radius Indiana’s investment in the former Times-Mail building signal that Bedford’s retail scene is far from stagnant. The 16th Street corridor continues to evolve, balancing its historic roots with new opportunities, and The Bedford Plaza remains a key piece of the town’s commercial future.
