RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A central North Carolina-based business is buying a large chunk of Big Lots stores that were on the chopping block to be closed. Variety Wholesalers, based in the Vance County seat of Henderson and the owner Roses, has now agreed to buy hundreds of Big Lots stores — and keep them open, saving "thousands of jobs." The North Carolina company, which also owns Maxway stores, plans to buy between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which it will then operate under the Big Lots brand Big Lots said Friday it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, a firm that specializes in distressed companies. Gordon Brothers is now partnering with Variety Wholesalers, according to a news release. PREVIOUS: Big Lots ‘going out of business’ sales beginning in North Carolina, nationwide The companies made the announcement with a news release titled: "Big Lots agrees to strategic transaction to facilitate preservation of brand, hundreds of stores and thousands of jobs." Variety Wholesalers, which also owns Super 10, Bargain Town, Bill's Dollar Stores and Super Dollar stores, also plans to buy at least two Big Lots distribution centers. "We are excited to partner with Gordon Brothers to provide a path forward for the Big Lots brand and hundreds of its stores," Lisa Seigies, President and CEO of Variety Wholesalers, said in a news release. CBS 17 reached out Saturday afternoon to Variety Wholesalers to find out which North Carolina stores would remain open. "We look forward to working with members of the Big Lots team to realize the exciting opportunities ahead," Seigies said in the news release. 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. At the time, Big Lots planned to sell its assets and ongoing business operations to private equity firm Nexus Capital Management. But on Dec. 20, Big Lots said the deal with Nexus didn't materialize. It then partnered with Gordon Brothers to conduct going-out-of-business sales at 869 U.S. locations. The agreement between Gordon Brothers and Variety Wholesalers is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court.