Big Lots

I had my first Big Lots experience this past weekend, and I must say… it was pretty successful!
I got curious about Big Lots because we get their flyer every week at the house (we live about a mile away), and I always see a ton of stuff advertised for super cheap. Since it’s so close and I don’t mind bargain shopping, I begged hubs to go with me and he finally relented to my nagging.
I went in with super low expectations. So, that’s probably why I ended up being so pleased. If you go in with expectations any higher than «low» or «none,» you will most likely leave empty-​handed and disappointed. To give you an idea of how I managed to spend $ 110 on random crap, this is what I left with:
– 2 boxes of diapers (this was my biggest steal… one box was $ 17 and the other was $ 15. These boxes normally go for $ 20+ anywhere else).
– jumper cables for my car ($ 10)
– portable air compressor, also for my car ($ 10)
– Two sets of NE Patriots grill utensils ($ 10/​each)
– a stand-​up fan to replace our broken one ($ 20)
– new shower curtain liner ($ 5)
– 12 pack of Del Monte fruit cups — my daughter loves these! ($ 5)
– lots of packages of Earth’s Best «fruitys» (.90 cents each)
All that stuff would have cost me a bunch more elsewhere. They have just about everything you can imagine crammed into a tiny store — seasonal items (since it is now summer, that includes gazebos, grills, swimming pools, sporting goods, etc.), food, beauty items, cards, pens, furniture (tables, lamps, sections, couches, etc.), bed-​in-​a-​bags, socks… EVERYTHING! I think their business model must be «throw it and see if it sticks.» Hey, it works for pasta, so why not for a store, right?
If you don’t mind how crammed the aisles are (two carriages can’t fit down the same aisle), how dirty it is (layers of dust and grime), checking expiration dates, and doing a major amount of digging and bargain hunting, then you will definitely like (and maybe even appreciate) this place. I can foresee myself making many return trips here to pick up items that I probably (definitely) don’t need.

Great deals for low bucks. Need I say more?

Can you find a bargain here? Sure. Are you bound to catch something… YUP! This place is gross and the items sold here are usually expired. And God forbid you try to ask an employee where you can find something, all I’ve ever gotten from them is a grunt and an eyeroll.

I called to see if they had a product in stock that was shown online. I spoke with 5 different people and no-​one could tell me if they had it. The last person that picked up the phone said that they didn’t see it, so they must not have it?

Who can resist a bargain? I know I can’t. I love Big Lots. You have to be willing to spend time looking around and be aware of the fact that, yes, they do have a TON of crap that is low quality and not even worth the low prices they charge for it. That being said, there are tons of deals to be found here.
As long as you make sure to check the expiration date (and I have rarely found things that were expired, only close to the exp. date) the food deals they have sometimes are awesome.
During my son’s first year, we bought a lot of his baby food here, same brand as in the grocery store, for 30 cents a pop! That’s a great deal. We have also bought mega packs of Pampers wipes for very low prices.
I also want to point out that this particular Big Lots, in Lynn, MA is a lot nicer than some of the other ones I have been too (ahem, West Bridgewater). It is well lit and very well stocked, and also it is twice the size of some of the others I have been too.
Sure, we always come home with crap we don’t really need, or toys our kid won’t actually play with, but that’s half the fun.

You know the store that you hate and make an effort to avoid… only to forget its name? This is the place.
Everything in here is trashy, employees included. Quality of the products for sale couldn’t pass at a flea market. I understand some people can’t afford moderate prices on normal goods, but damn go to Wal-​Mart. I know it’s on highland ave and the one in Lynn is far… but this place sucks so bad that they should pay you to shop here.

i was there on a sunday afternoon for the first time — and I would not go back.
Its a mess inside, nothing is organized and everything seemed to be open. I cant beleive they sell food in that place!
On the other hand, I next went to the National Wholesale Liquidators Store and that was a much different story.