Is Big Lots in Big Trouble? 10 min POV: A Glimpse Before It Faces More Financial Uncertainties!

Having driven past this Big Lots for decades, I finally decided to step inside today, prompted by recent news about retail stores facing financial challenges. Big Lots is among those struggling, burdened by significant debt, and with discerning customers in the current inflationary period, the situation is becoming more complex.
Taking a glance at Big Lots' history, the chain dates back to 1967 when the Consolidated Stores Corporation was formed in Ohio by Sol Shenk. In 1982, the corporation opened its first closeout store, Odd Lots, in Columbus, Ohio. The journey continued with a merger involving drug store chain Revco and the acquisition of New Jersey closeout retailer Odd Lot Trading Co. As the Odd Lots stores expanded beyond Columbus, rebranding became necessary due to Revco's concerns about name similarity. Thus, Big & Small Lots emerged outside the designated radius, and eventually, all Odd Lots stores were rebranded as Big Lots.
In 1985, Consolidated Stores Corp. became a separate public company on the American Stock Exchange, later switching to the New York Stock Exchange in 1986, trading under the symbol CNS.
Now, as I explore Big Lots, it's evident that the company is attempting to be a one-stop-shop for everything - from groceries and furniture to household goods, seasonal items, and toys. However, the product range mostly consists of regular name brands without any upscale offerings, making it less appealing to discerning shoppers like myself.
Financially, Big Lots is taking measures to avoid bankruptcy, but the sustainability of these efforts remains uncertain, particularly given the current economic climate. It'll be interesting to see how the company navigates these challenges in the days ahead.

[@jasona1821]

I stopped going here when their prices were no better than the next guys

[@MsLouisVee]

I was there yesterday and prices weren’t very low. I’d rather be at dollar tree. I don’t think I’ll ever go back there again.

[@RVGuyss]

This went from a discount store to more expensive then other non discount stores, the whole store concept is completely upside down.

[@donnajones-od9qs]

I rarely shop there their prices are to high for me.😂

[@brendane3283]

I can't think of even one reason why I'd shop here now.
Seems like a relic of a store from a bygone era.

[@Bella21074]

It's because everyone buys on Amazon etc and everything exspensive it's cheaper to buy in bulk on Amazon

[@Listening4n0w]

How they still opened? It's always empty!

[@ge2623]

I only shop at Small Assortments.

[@Darci3333]

They have overpriced themselves to going out of business...