Honestly, it feels like just yesterday you could wander into the SeaComm Plaza, grab a cart, and lose forty-five minutes looking at seasonal patio cushions or those weirdly specific international snacks. For a long time, the Big Lots in Potsdam NY was the reliable anchor for bargain hunters in St. Lawrence County. It was the place where you’d find a surprisingly sturdy couch for your first apartment or a decent rug that didn't cost half your paycheck.
Then the "Store Closing" signs appeared.
It wasn't just a rumor. By late 2024, the news hit that the Potsdam location at 200 Market St., along with its sister store in Massena, was officially on the chopping block. If you’ve driven by lately and noticed the empty parking lot or the lack of those bright orange signs, you're seeing the result of a massive corporate collapse that hit home right here in the North Country.
Why the Big Lots in Potsdam NY Had to Go
The truth is, the Potsdam store didn't fail because people stopped shopping there. If anything, locals were loyal. The problem was much bigger than the 13676 zip code. Big Lots, as a national brand, basically tried to fix things that weren't broken and ended up in a massive $3 billion debt hole.
They moved away from what made them great—the random, "treasure hunt" buyouts—and tried to become a high-end furniture store. Who goes to a discount shop to buy a $1,200 sectional? Not many people, apparently. When the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024, it was the beginning of the end.
While Potsdam was initially spared in the first wave of 250 closures, the deal to save the company fell through in December 2024. That’s when the "Going Out of Business" sales started at every remaining location. The liquidation was fast. By early 2025, the shelves were bare, the fixtures were sold, and the doors were locked for good.
What’s Left at 200 Market Street?
The SeaComm Plaza feels a little quieter now. The space at 200 Market St, Potsdam, NY 13676 is a massive footprint to fill. For a town like ours, losing a major retailer isn't just about losing a place to buy cheap laundry detergent. It’s about the jobs—the cashiers and stockers who had been there for years—and the loss of a convenient stop between SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson.
As of early 2026, the lease for the old Big Lots space has been floating around in the real estate market. There’s been plenty of chatter about who might move in next.
- Harbor Freight? People always hope for it.
- Tractor Supply expansion? It’s a common rumor.
- Another discount chain like Ollie’s? That would be the most logical "vibe" fit.
But for now, it's just a big, empty box.
Where Everyone is Shopping Now
Losing the Big Lots in Potsdam NY left a hole in the local "frugal shopping" circuit. If you’re like me and still need to find those random deals without driving all the way to Watertown or Syracuse, you’ve probably had to pivot.
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Potsdam still has some decent alternatives, though nothing quite matches the weird variety Big Lots had. Tractor Supply Co. is right there for some of the home and outdoor stuff. Walmart on Route 11 is the obvious giant, but it lacks that "closeout" charm.
For the true bargain hunters, the local thrift scene has actually stepped up. Best Friends Thrift Shop on Raymond Street and CORC Thrift Store on Willow Street are great for home goods, even if you have to dig a little more. Honestly, if you're looking for furniture now, most people are either hitting the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Canton or just watching Facebook Marketplace like a hawk.
The Real Cost of the Closure
It’s easy to look at a corporate bankruptcy as just numbers on a screen. But in a small town, it’s different. The Big Lots in Potsdam NY was a place where students could furnish a dorm on a budget and families could get through the holidays without breaking the bank.
The store was part of the local ecosystem. When a place like that vanishes, it changes the gravity of the shopping center. Other smaller businesses in the plaza often see less foot traffic because people aren't stopping by "just to see what's new" at the big store anymore.
What You Should Do Next
If you still have a Big Lots gift card or rewards points gathering dust in your kitchen drawer, unfortunately, those ships have mostly sailed. The liquidation process finished months ago, and those credits usually expire once the liquidation firm takes over.
- Keep an eye on the SeaComm Plaza development news. Local planning board meetings are usually where the first real word of a new tenant leaks out.
- Support the remaining local shops. Since we lost a major discount option, the small thrift stores and local hardware shops need the support more than ever.
- Don't hold your breath for a comeback. While some Big Lots stores in other states were bought by Variety Wholesalers, the New York locations were largely part of the total liquidation.
The era of the Big Lots in Potsdam NY is officially over. It’s a bummer, but that’s the reality of the current retail landscape. We’re just waiting to see what the next chapter for that big building on Market Street looks like.