So, keeping in tune with my "I just bought a house and I need to save every penny on household goods" theme, I want to chime in on Big Lots.
I have to say, much of my positive review can be attributed to the fact that I went on a particular Sunday when they were giving 20% off everything in the store as "Customer Appreciation Day". Apparently, they do this with regularity throughout the year and I was fortunate enough to do my new home shopping on that particular day.
Much like my review of Harbor Freight Tools (which happens to be right next door), the prices of many of their basic household items (linens, closet organizers, kitchen goods) are extremely inexpensive. However, like HFT the quality can range from brand-name equivalent to shoddy. You just have to use a keen eye and try to limit your expectations as to longevity and durability for each item.
Their "bed in bag" sets, pillows, mattress covers and other linens are priced well below what you would find in other discount stores and the quality is very good. In many cases the comforter sets are discontinued styles or product lines from other chain discount stores and are a good fit if you are trying to decorate a guest bedroom or two.
Like HFT, the sales floor is quite crowded and there isn't much room at the few registers for a long line (of which there were several on that particular Sunday). I have to give considerable praise for the efficency of their customer service desk as I noticed that they had rung up one extra roll of shelf paper than I had actually bought. Once I pointed out the discrepancy on the receipt, the cashier quickly did a refund to my credit card and got me on my way without significantly interrupting the tempo of the line behind me.
The one negative I can make mention of is the lack of available shopping carts (this may have been only due to the Sunday discount crowd). I had to go back out to the parking lot and fish through the cart corral to find a Big Lots cart for my purchases.
Apart from that, I know I will be back when I need to add or replace some of my basic household goods (especially on Customer Appreciation Day!). read more