This year has been a remarkably tough period for a decades-old bargain retailer.

But in a Dec. 19 update, Big Lots announced that its deal with Nexus had fallen through.

(In agoing concernsale, the buyer is able to continue operating the business.)

Big Lots store interior with discount signs

Photo: refrina / Shutterstock

It attributed the decision to persistent financial challenges like inflation and shifting customer demand.

Big Lots exterior

Photo: ZikG / Shutterstock