A trial run at the Big Lots in Lehighton trended in a positive outcome with customers impressed with the store’s new makeover.

Located in the Carbon Plaza Mall, the store at 1241 Blakeslee Blvd. Dr. E. held a soft reopening Thursday under new ownership.

Variety Wholesalers acquired over 200 Big Lots stores, including the one in Lehighton.

JoAnn Reilly of Andreas said she likes how the store is laid out, as she checked out the clothing line.

“I like how they have the clothes back now, with all the sizes,” Reilly said. “It’s a nice selection, (with lower) prices than the department stores.”

Right nearby, Connie Kane of Lehighton took her time looking at the coats in stock and said she planned to ease her way through the store.

Elsewhere, Cathy Fedor of West Penn Township admitted to being impressed with the store’s new look.

“I shopped here all the time,” Fedor said. “I’ll definitely come back.“

Rose McDaniel, assistant manager, said the soft opening went extremely well.

“We are bringing in more family apparel,” McDaniel said. “We’re still bringing in furniture.”

McDaniel said the prices are even better for shoppers now that the store has reopened then they were in the past.

“Our customers are really excited,” she said. “They’re so happy we’re back.”

McDaniel said the store is happy with the partnership and collaboration with Variety Wholesalers.

She noted the store is actively hiring for cashiers, stockers, store openers, store closers, and to work weekends.

McDaniel said the store plans to hold its grand reopening in the fall, and that the grand reopening will be a part of all 219 Big Lots stores in the U.S. celebration on one day.