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The employees of bankrupt retailer Big Lots have had to live with a lot of uncertainty ever since the company announced in mid-December that it was going out of business and closing all its stores. Just over a week later, Big Lots announced that it had struck a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to transfer some Big Lots assets to Variety Wholesalers and other retailers. According to the announcement, that meant some Big Lots locations, between 200 and 400 stores, would stay open and operating, potentially saving thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, theres yet no word on which Big Lots locations will continue to operate, leaving many Big Lots workers uncertain about their future employment. In mid-January, Gordon Brothers published a list of Big Lots leases that it was putting up for sale, suggesting that the stores on that list wouldnt be among those saved. Now, Gordon Brothers has updated that list to include more stores, giving a little more insight into which locations are closed or going to close for good. Phase 2 of Big Lots lease sales A few weeks ago, Gordon Brothers published a list titled New Market Locations Phase 1. That list included hundreds of Big Lots locations with leases for sale. When a stores lease is sold, the owner is looking for a buyer to move into the store’s location, freeing it from its rental obligations. The list included locations in 47 states, with Florida, New York, and Texas among the states with the most leases for sale. Now Gordon Brothers has released an updated list, titled New Market Locations Phase 2. The Phase 2 list includes many of the stores from the Phase 1 list but adds nearly 150 new locations, suggesting that these locations, too, will not be among the locations saved via the deal with Variety Wholesalers and other retailers. Among the states with the most additional stores marked for sale of their leases include Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. When will the saved Big Lots stores be revealed? While the Phase 1 and Phase 2 lists give us a good indication that the stores on them will not be among those that are saved, many Big Lots employees and customers are anxiously awaiting information on which stores will pull through. Unfortunately, we may not have a definitive list for some time yet. As Fast Company previously reported, in a January bankruptcy court filing, Big Lots revealed that all parties were working expeditiously to determine which [locations] can drive additional value to the estates or comprise the group of continuing Big Lots stores. However, the parties understandably require additional time to complete this analysis. Big Lots asked the court to give it until April 7 to develop a list of stores that will continue to operate.
Category:
E-Commerce
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he will order the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to prepare a migrant detention facility at Guantanamo Bay for as many as 30,000 migrants. The U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, already houses a migrant facility separate from the high-security U.S. prison for foreign terrorism suspects that has been used on occasion for decades, including to hold Haitians and Cubans picked up at sea. Trump’s border czar Tom Homan said later on Wednesday that the administration would expand the already existing facility and that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency would run it. “Today I’m also signing an executive order to instruct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to begin preparing the 30,000 person migrant facility at Guantanamo Bay,” Trump said at the White House. He said the facility would be used to “detain the worst criminal illegal aliens threatening the American people. Some of them are so bad we don’t even trust the countries to hold them because we don’t want them coming back, so we’re going to send them out to Guantanamo. This will double our capacity immediately, right? And, tough.” Soon after, Trump signed a memorandum, which did not have a number of migrants in it but called for “additional detention space” at the expanded facility. Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Homan said the center would be used for the “worst of the worst.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, asked how much money would be required for the facility, said the administration was working on it with reconciliation and appropriators in Congress. ‘ACT OF BRUTALITY’ The detention facility at Guantanamo Bay was set up in 2002 by then-U.S. President George W. Bush to detain foreign militant suspects following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. There are 15 detainees left in the prison. Trump’s two Democratic predecessors, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, sought to shut down the Guantanamo prison and were only able to reduce its inmate population, but Trump has vowed to keep it open. The jail has long been condemned by human rights groups for indefinite detention and came to symbolize the early excesses the U.S. war on terror because of harsh interrogation methods that critics say amounted to torture. The facility for migrants is separate from the detention center on the base. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called Trump’s plan “an act of brutality.” Pro-refugee groups have called for the Guantanamo migrant facility to be closed and for Congress to investigate alleged abuses there. The International Refugee Assistance Project said in a 2024 report that detainees described unsanitary conditions, families with young children housed together with single adults, a lack of access to confidential phone calls, and the absence of educational services for children. On Tuesday, the U.S. military said that it would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain migrants at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado. The decision comes on top of U.S. military deportation flights of migrants out of the country and the deployment of just over 1,600 active-duty troops to the U.S. border with Mexico following Trump’s emergency declaration on immigration last week. Jeff Mason, Idrees Ali and Ted Hesson, Reuters
Category:
E-Commerce
In a world where work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred, the well-being of employees has emerged as a pivotal issue. Despite leaders’ good intentions, a stark reality persists: While a staggering 91% of executives believe they prioritize employee well-being, only 56% of employees share that sentiment. This disconnect, revealed in a recent Deloitte study, underscores a critical gap that companies must bridge if they are to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. As businesses grapple with the complexities of modern work, a framework is emerging to guide leaders: The Four Pillars of Worker Well-Being. These pillars offer a comprehensive approach to fostering a healthier, more productive workforce. 1. Predictability Meets Flexibility In an era where change is the only constant, employees crave a sense of predictability. Structured environments where expectations are clear can significantly reduce workplace anxiety, providing a stable foundation for productivity. Yet, the need for flexibility is equally crucial. The ability to adapt to personal and professional demands empowers employees, creating a harmonious balance that enhances overall productivity and satisfaction. Imagine a tech company where employees know their project deadlines well in advance but have the freedom to choose their working hours. This blend of predictability and flexibility not only boosts morale but also drives efficiency. Employees can better manage their work-life integration, reducing stress and increasing their commitment to the organization. By fostering both stability and adaptability, companies can create an environment where employees feel secure yet empowered to manage their responsibilities effectively. 2. Mental Health Takes Center Stage Mental health is no longer a sidebar in corporate discussions, it’s the headline. With half of the global population likely to encounter a mental health disorder, the urgency for comprehensive mental health resources is undeniable. Forward-thinking companies are stepping up, offering counseling services, mental health apps, and wellness programs that are accessible and effective. Take, for instance, a multinational firm that has partnered with mental health platforms like BetterUp. Employees have access to on-demand counseling, fostering a culture where mental well-being is prioritized, and stigma is shattered. 3. Leaders Who Walk the Talk The saying “actions speak louder than words” has never been more relevant. Leaders who visibly prioritize their well-being set a powerful precedent. When the CEO openly takes mental health days or regularly disconnects from work, it sends a clear message: It’s okay to prioritize yourself. This visible commitment from the top fosters a culture of acceptance and support, encouraging employees to follow suit without fear of judgment. Consider a scenario where a companys leadership team practices what they preach. They take breaks, use their vacation days, and discuss their mental health journeys. This not only humanizes them but also encourages employees to follow suit, fostering a supportive and understanding workplace culture. When leaders lead by example, they create an environment where well-being is integrated into the very fabric of the organization. Employees feel more connected and motivated, knowing that their leaders genuinely care about their health and well-being. 4. Building Bridges Through Relationships In the digital age, genuine connections can often feel like a relic of the past. Yet, building strong relationships within teams remains essential. Whether it’s through virtual coffee chats, team-building exercises, or regular check-ins, fostering a sense of belonging is key. What if your remote team makes time for weekly virtual gatherings where work talk is off-limits? These sessions, focused on personal stories and shared interests, build trust and camaraderie, transforming colleagues into a cohesive unit. In a world dominated by screens, these human moments are invaluable, reinforcing the social bonds that underpin successful teams. By fostering deeper connections, companies can enhance team dynamics, leading to higher productivity and a more engaged workforce. Putting the Pillars into Action The journey from theory to practice can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. Leaders can start by enhancing communicationclear, consistent updates that set expectations and reduce uncertainty. Regular feedback sessions and open dialogues can bridge the gap between management and employees. Providing resources is another critical step. Companies can leverage technology to offer mental health support, whether through apps or tele-counseling. The goal is to make mental health resources as integral as health insurance. Leading by example is perhaps the most impactful strategy. When leaders demonstrate their commitment to well-being, it creates a ripple effect. Employees feel empowered to prioritize their health, knowing they have the support of their organization. The ROI of Well-Being Investing in well-being isnt just a moral imperativeits a business strategy. Companies that embed well-being into their culture see tangible benefits: higher productivity, lower turnover rates, and significant healthcare savings. Johnson & Johnson, for example, saved $250 million over a decade through its wellness programs. The corporate world is at a critical juncture. As economic pressures mount and the demand for innovation intensifies, leaders must recognize that well-being is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing their competitive edge, as disengaged and burnt-out employees cannot drive sustained growth. In contrast, those who embrace the Four Pillars of Worker Well-Being will likely see transformative results. These companies will attract and retain top talent, foster a resilient organizational culture, and ultimately, achieve long-term success. To illustrate, lets look at an innovative retail company that integrated these pillars into its operations. By offering flexible schedules, mental health resources, and fostering a culture of openness, they saw a 30% reduction in employee turnover and a significant boost in customer satisfaction. Employees reported feeling more engaged and valued, directly impacting the companys bottom line. Moreover, the shift towards prioritizing well-being aligns with broader societal trends. As public awareness of mental health and work-life balance grows, companies that lead in these areas will not only meet employee expectations but also set industry standards. The future of work demands a new kind of leadership, one that places well-being at the core of organizational strategy. This isn’t just about improving employee morale; its about creating a sustainable model for success in an ever-evolving business landscape. By adopting these practices, leaders can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and unlock the full potential of their teams. Excerpted with permission from the publisher, Wiley, from Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership by Christie Smith and Kelly Monahan. Copyright 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is available wherever books and eBooks are sold.
Category:
E-Commerce
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