Big Lots is in BIG TROUBLE | Retail Archaeology

[@clintonmccool2330]

Absolutely NOTHING will move until you start hitting a 50% discount...

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

It depends on the merchandise. And how it was originally priced. If it was a fair price originally, Then you'll see people start to hit certain things at 30% off.

[@jonathankennedy4779]

75….

[@plinko84]

At the bare minimum, start at 30%. They are BLEEDING money.

[@nynphose]

they will just write it off it's never going to go much lower

[@RebelTXWrestling]

@@thisshouldbeentertaining3386 I saw that at Conn's. You expected a PS5 to be $250-$300 in a going out of business sale. Nope it was, get this, $750

[@RedXiongmao]

Probably the reason it doesn't look liquidated is that people have caught on that all of these companies jack up their prices for these liquidation sales

[@misterhat5823]

Big Lots' prices are pretty bad to start with. They might not be jacked up.

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@misterhat5823 I use to go to Big Lots all the time back in the day, or when I needed a cheap USB/HDMI/etc.. cable in the 2010's, but when a new location opened up near me in 2022 in a former grocery store(now one of the ones closing), I was curious, asI had not been to one in well over a year I notice almost no bargains to be had, plus I knew something was off when I asked one of the few employees in the why it was so dang hot, and they said they were not allowed to run the AC past 80F, and this was in the middle of July when it almost a 100F outside, Yikes!!!

[@JCWiley2300]

Oh my gosh I literally just scrolled down here to comment the exact same thing.

[@Doreas13]

I don't know why I keep looking at BIG LOTS and thinking about the old KMART store back then. I am predicting that all of the BIG LOT STORES will close in 2025. Then what's left Ollies Stores is left, correct? And how is that store coming along in 2024.

[@jtrusick510]

They all do that

[@LAChantrose]

Last week my daughter and I went to Big Lots on a lark, and we were talking about how the shelves were half empty, the prices were actually higher than Walmart, and there was no one else there. We bought some blackout curtains because I needed some, got them home, and they were so sheer I could read a license plate on the car across the street. I ended up buying curtains at Walmart slightly cheaper that work perfectly. Big lots is basically a landfill with shopping carts.

[@Sashazur]

lol I’ll use that expression for other stuff like “Temu is basically a landfill with a website”

[@phantom193]

you said it 100% correct. Stores like Big Lots where they claim to be "discount" retailers arent really that. Why would I go out of my way to a Big Lots for various things when I could just go to walmart and get the same stuff along with a full grocery store

[@misterhat5823]

And pay less at Walmart...

[@ScottyPimpinATL]

@phantom193 I only go to Walmart about once a year, if that. I actually used to enjoy the place. I would go at 2am and enjoy eating the complimentary beef jerky and poweraid while wandering around shopping for various products. Then, on the way out, I'd play the claw machine that was actually not rigged. Then look at the missing kids wall, Then grab a 25 cent Dr. THUNDER.

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

Walmart full grocery store? Not the ones around me. Yes they have a lot more than big lot's/ Dollar general and even target. But their selection is like less than half of what Publix and other true grocery stores have.

[@ScottyPimpinATL]

@@thisshouldbeentertaining3386 dog food, light bulbs, dog food.

[@stellarobado4269]

Big Lots used to have deals like that. I remember finding amazing hauls at Big Lots. Then one day things changed.

[@KyleJWest-vn9kn]

I agree with the main point you made, these discount retailers haven't been discount stores in a long time. They are just as expensive, if not more, than shopping at Walmart or Target. The Dollar Generals of the world only exist because they've managed to shoehorn themselves into every small town and are often times the only place to shop at. Big Lots is just as expensive as other stores for lower quality products. You could buy shitty headphones at Big Lots or just save up and buy a better pair at Target. I feel like most consumers have realized that cheaper isn't better for electronics.

[@MM-fe9mz]

Id sometimes think about buying an off brand electronic, but id try to Google it to find a review and rarely could find any info. If I'm going cheap Amazon or somewhere you can at least see reviews to try to find out if a product is worth it

[@ivyibanez]

You're not shopping the right discount stores then

[@SeñorMalc]

My mom shopped here religiously when I was a kid and I often went with her. She quit going because Big Lots isn’t what it used to be. The stores feel more kept up now, but the prices are high for low quality items.

[@Tukaro]

yeah, about 20 years ago they started chasing the department store setup, then pivoted to furniture (with new store layouts that make it a pain in the rear to use their carts), and now it seems incredibly rare they actually ever do buyouts/overstock. As you and RA said, the prices are rarely better than Target or the supermarket, I only shop there when they do a 20% discount or something.

[@JaneDoe-ps6ve]

Eric your 100% spot on about so called discount stores.

[@richardpatrick2852]

And really, many items at a Family Dollar or DGeneral are More expensive than at WM or Target.

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@richardpatrick2852 Unless you live in a small town like me, where Walmart, or Target is a 30 min drive, and you have to factor in the cost of your gas, and time to get a couple items you might need like a gallon of milk, you forgot to get TP on your last major shopping trip, your kid gets sick, and you need that kids Tylenol at 8pm at night, etc.. then places like Dollar General, and Dollar Tree/Family Dollar make a little more sense in that regard, and you're thankful that your small town has a DG Market, and a Dollar Tree/Family Dollar combo store just a couple mins away, even walking distance.

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

​@@richardpatrick2852The only way they are kinda cheaper. Is because they have the companies of the products make special packaging for them. Like they'll get dawn dish liquid to make a 8oz bottle that they can sell for $1.50 yes it's cheaper than the big bottle at Walmart for $4 but the big bottle is 40oz so it's a better value to buy the big bottle. But the dollar stores know their customer and know they usually are pinching pennies. So they'll buy the $1.50 bottle even though it's actually more expensive per ounce.

[@kawaiimombear]

The one near me is closing too, and Spirit Halloween is like 👏👀

[@LegatoSkyheart]

The one near me actually looks like Spirit Halloween! 😂

[@scottkrafft6830]

The one near me actually JUST opened in 2022 and it's already closing. Ironically it was a Spirit Halloween for 2020-2021... before that, it was my old Toys R Us.

[@ismaelmartinez8214]

@@scottkrafft6830sounds like the Big Lots in Burbank,IL it opened a few years ago. And it was a old Toys R US as well.

[@benb8407]

@@ismaelmartinez8214 Big Lots also moved to Toys R US in 2017 or 2018 they have been in town before I was even born, only been into Big Lots one time with my grandma in 90 or 91. Doesn't look like there closing the store where I live only closing one store in GR.

[@Ifukkedyamotha]

Back in the early 2010s as a young teen with no money my local biglots had TONS of drugstore makeup for a dollar or two it was a godsent for me. Now their makeup section is tiny and more expensive than the target arcoss the way.

[@alexandrajones6931]

not only that but i've seen makeup with copyright dates of 2002 circa 2018

[@DollTime]

I used to shop there for makeup, too. I used to regularly get whole bottles of foundation for $2-3. And tons of Sinful Colors stuff for $1. Now it's all old stock and overpriced.

[@EdgedShadow]

Big Lots has become irrelevant. Walmart is devouring them from above, and Dollar Stores from below.

[@emobassist]

Not cheap enough to keep customers from walmart and too expensive to keep people from dollar stores

[@101spacecase]

@@emobassist yep my thoughts also

[@Noahwarriorsfan]

Well Walmart isn't a fun store to shop at. It's always dirty not a fun experience. Least big lots has a bigger variety, it's not necessarily a food place. It's more furniture and house hold items which is part of the reason going down hill

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Walmart sells brand new stuff, Big Lots gets the stuff that didn’t sell there and was sent back.

[@Warp2090]

@@Noahwarriorsfan True. The only reason the walmart in my town exists is because we dont have an electronics store. And while you're buying electronics and other things that arent sold elsewhere in my town, why not just get your grocerys too.

[@l_Live_In_Oregon]

5% off is such a joke, should be at least 20%. They probably lost money making that sign. You probably can't return items so use extreme caution. I miss the early days of Big Lots from over 30 years ago.

[@CommodoreFan64]

yep about the only things I saw that I would have gotten there was a bottle of water if I was thirsty, and maybe some of the JLab headphones as you can return them directly to the company if you have a problem, and they will give you full retail for them to get something off their website.

[@relicdad88]

I used 2 love going in our big lots in town back when cds n dvds were prevalent they had either yugioh or pokemon packs for $3 as well so i cud look around forever when i was kid. Then store closed and moved 2 an old Walmart building bout 10 to 15 yrs ago and stuff wasnt discounted nomore really it says so but its same price or higher then Walmart which is walking distance away. Big lots used 2 be cool but id say thats 25 yrs ago bout like everything else. Jus sad really what can ya do though.

[@johnl2727]

The signs keep moving from one location to another.

[@KristenZianourry2015]

Yeah me too, was excited to hear the town where I used to live in was getting a big lots just for it to all be overpriced. Definitely not how I remember it from the early 2000s.

[@moocowthepersom]

it feels so interesting seeing these discount retailers having these lame-ass liquidation sales because like,, dont a lot of these same places bank on getting discount product from buying up stock of companies going through liquidation? like i assume most of the stuff they bring in is certainly not from that model anymore, but i feel like not being able to move all that stock kind of feels antithetical to the way they brand themselves lol, i wonder if i’ll see big lots stickers on products at ollie’s or ocean state job lot down the line the same way i’ll sometimes see other retailers crusty old price tags on some of the stuff at big lots

[@mperlatti]

Big Lots was taken over by an Investment firm and that firm not knowing anything about retail sales changed the stock and pricing. Milking it for max profits. Big Mistake…. Thanks VanGuard!!!

[@albert71292]

I think they did better when they were mainly a "closeout" store, and didn't try to sell furniture and their own store branded stuff. An "Ollie's" recently opened in my area, and it stays busier than the local Big Lots.

[@AlfredRusselWallace]

Ollie's is one of the few remaining true discount stores. Them and Gabe's if you have one of those

[@dawnpatrol700]

@@albert71292 Ollie's is cited as one of the reasons for the BigLots closings

[@Not_Always]

@@AlfredRusselWallace Nah, I've seen overpriced stuff at Ollie's too.

[@cynthiamurphy3669]

Haven't been to our local Ollie's here in Dayton, Ohio, for a long time. I don't know that they're actually any better than our Big Lots.

[@nicholaswalker3481]

Olies is just a Walmart dumpster. Was not a fan at all

[@ScottyPimpinATL]

I still have my feaux leather sofa that I purchased in 2007 when I first began my adult life. It was $500 and surprisingly very good quality and extremely comfortable. It was party proof as well. The seat cushions started cracking about 2 years ago. It's in my Dad zone downstairs and a great napping couch.

[@ThatResellerGuy]

Big Lots was a store where I always wondered "Why does anyone shop here?". We liked to look at holiday decorations, but rarely bought anything because prices were just as high as any other store. The one near us in Chandler, AZ already closed. I won't miss them.

[@walter2695]

I knew they were doomed when i saw their giant jar of peanut butter pretzels for like 20 cents cheaper than target. Excepts the ones at big lots look like they were rolled off the springfield gorge homer simpson style.

[@blacklotus654]

More in Phoenix have closed or closing.

[@XiaoFury]

I don't know who is running Big Lots. They sell furniture in mostly low income areas...yet they sell their furniture at prices that not even most middle class folks can afford!

[@joshuakuhlman5603]

Bruce thorn he's an idiot and has been crashing the company for half a decade but has gotten millions in bonuses

[@Rahbinah]

That's why I never liked or patronized Big Lots.

[@wsmith4]

Oh, you know what's really annoying? They had their Spring/summer patio and outdoor stuff on clearance a couple weeks ago for 40% off. Then, when they announced they were closing and the liquidation signs went up, they went to 20% off!! Very shady business practices.

[@clairesmyth8733]

That's a common technique with liquidation contractors. They take the percent off the full price, not the mark down. It's comparable to the first day of an estate sale with the prices jacked up on the cheap IKEA dishware. It's all to bring a better return for the client, but, it's such a joke..

[@sunshinecoolwater9528]

Big Lots reminds me of Kmart when it comes to the prices on food items. Most are priced above regular grocery store prices. On top of that, most grocery items are close to the expiration date. I think stores like Ollie's really hurt their business model. Big Lots lacks an identity.

[@misterhat5823]

Ollie's plays the same game as Big Lots. Expired crap for higher prices than a regular store.

[@CommodoreFan64]

O yeah Ollie's really walked all over Big Lots when they started expanding out several years back, and I'm in that place at least once a month, or so seeing what deals they have for example the floor AC I needed a couple of summers ago for the add on media room to my house that was almost 1/2 of what other places charging after my 15% coupon just for being a loyal customer, so if Ollie's keeps doing stuff like that, then I'll keep going back there for sure over the Big Lots locations in my area.

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@misterhat5823 I've been to ollies a lot and I've only come across a food item once that was expired, I let the lady at customer service know about it, and they sent an employee right way to check the other dates of the same item, and then took then off the shelf, but yeah you really have to look at the dates to see if it's worth buying as some of it can be really close, but I get cheap hot sauces there from time to time, and have had no issues, and if you're going to use the item quickly, and it's a cheaper, then I say go for it.

[@codybrandoncargle3129]

Not surprising I miss the Ollie’s that used to be in Callaway, Florida but Hurricane Michael killed Bay County’s only location! 😳

[@Draknfyre]

@@misterhat5823 I don't know about your Ollie's but the one here has outstanding prices for most things. $45 art books for $8, for example.

[@237photo]

Ollie’s is now what big lots was 30 years ago. True close out, overbuy, overruns, factory seconds and unclaimed merchandise. Big lots was founded on buying factory over runs , un claimed freight, they would buy seasonal clearance in bulk from other retailers at Pennys on the dollar and pass along the savings. Shopping there in the 90’s was a true treasure hunt.

[@mariebelladonna437]

At least at Big Lots the people are always nice. And they used to be halfway kept up, though. Ollie's is just gross. Dusty, completely disorganized shelves, expired and/or outdated products, crusty makeup and jumbled vitamin and supplement bottles, and the floors are always FILTHY. And they're RUDE there too. The last time I went in, one of their security guys (I think they had two, and pretty sure at least one was actually armed) practically chased me down, following me a third of the way through the store til he came up behind me hollering at me ("Ma'am! Ma'am!") and got my attention, and told me I had to leave my bag-a backpack laptop bag that doubled as my purse-with him at the front counter. I refused to leave my bag at the counter. So he said he would put it behind the counter. He said I had to, or else I couldn't shop there. Said it was a rule, to prevent shoplifting. And it wasn't even like we were in a bad area. No other shops there do that. Just them. Other people saw this happen. I was so embarrassed! Like, was it even really truly necessary to be that aggressive about it? Number one, are people really desperate enough to steal their dirty, crusty products? (Well, I guess they might be, in this day and age. But I sure wasn't. And I didn't appreciate being treated that way.) Number two, do they really think humiliating their customers by openly treating them like criminals from the moment they step through the door is a productive business model?? Number three, if they HAVE to do that, they should at least make sure the bag is safely given back to the person to whom it belongs. But they don't even do THAT. When I asked for my bag back, some random employee brought it out of the office and handed it over without even verifying it was indeed mine, or even asking for its description! Anybody who saw the security guard take my bag could've asked for it, and they wouldn't have known the difference! They could've handed my laptop, my wallet, and everything else in that bag to anybody! They could've handed ME someone else's belongings. Which I wouldn't have kept. But still. And they wouldn't have even taken my bag, had it been a diaper bag (guy told me those were exceptions) or even a regular purse! So how much good could that ignorant, condescending rule really be doing? We didn't even buy anything that day. We really only went in there to kill time. But they did us as dirty as they do the product they sell. We won't ever go back. Wouldn't surprise me if they went down the toilet, too. Wouldn't bother me, either. Not one bit.

[@erict586]

They don't sell closeouts anymore. Back when they were doing well they sold closeouts. Now they sell items that are made to sell in their stores. Actual closeout stores like Ollie's is doing great. I think if Big Lots stayed just close outs they would have been doing well.

[@RampagingChipmunk]

Dude Ollie’s is kind of great. I don’t often buy stuff there, but it’s always a weirdly unique and interesting experience to shop there.

[@StarlightPrism]

I've never heard of Ollie's before but a number of people are talking about it here. My city doesn't have one but if I go to a town that does I'll have to check it out.

[@Not_Always]

@@StarlightPrism There is one near me. I have gone maybe 4 times, not really impressed and their prices were still a little steep

[@GOPRepubliklan]

I REMEMBER WHEN IT WAS CALLED ODD LOTS THEY PUT ONE ON FRANKLIN AVE BY KMART IN 1982 THEY SOLD ALL THE REJECTS FROM THE FACTORIES BUT THEY CANT ANY MORE NO MORE FACTORIES THANKS TO BIDENHARRIS

[@leonardtrump9155]

Just remember the corporate gals and guys r making the $$$$ & most of them run to the competition when then run there current company under 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@NissanSkylineGTRR34V]

Two years ago I tried to buy an entertainment center from them. The sales associate discovered the floor model I was interested in had been discontinued for over a year and they didn't have any in stock or a way to order more. I asked if I could buy the floor model but the associate wasn't sure since they were so new. They told me to come back tomorrow when their manager was in. I wasted the trip to come back a second day just to be told by the furniture manager and store manager that it's discontinued and they wouldn't sell me the floor model even at the full listed price I was willing to pay. It sat there for a good six months until it finally disappeared on one of my random look at the holiday section visits. I'm sure they threw it in the dumpster out back at some point which I always see full of furniture while walking into the front of the store as hard as that can be to believe. Can't say I'm surprised this company is struggling with limited stock and being so quick to throw away what little stock they do have in their stores rather than making a sale. I went down to Best Buy instead and was in and out with an entertainment stand in no time.

[@nicholasgutierrez9940]

The whole furniture thing was horrible. The store doesn’t have a planogram for items. You just randomly put pieces in place. You couldn’t have empty spots either, there was just no product to place. And many items stores never got. So managers had figure out a way to sell similar items. Add in that the online store had a different catalogue and you get a big disaster.

[@clairesmyth8733]

That's a believable story. I mean, they COULD have had a sale, that day, and the discontinued inventory could have been written off their list, effectively. You had to work this sale, and yet, you came home with NOTHING. Nobody won, except the competitor, Best Buy. Again, how dumb do you have to be to not accept money for a discontinued floor model and at full price? Do you want to stay in business? My guess is this location is one of the ones on the chopping block.

[@iGame3D]

Floor model would fall apart/break something essential, trying to move, then the store would lose money on the refund since the credit card company would already take a cut on the transaction.

[@MrDan708]

The lack of an identity is probably what hurts Big Lots the most. What are they, really? Are they a discount store? Are they a furniture store? They have kind of an odd mix of stuff.

[@chubbycatfish4573]

For years I didn't know Big Lots was a chain. I thought it was just some local store where they got whatever they could get their hands on to sell.

[@React2Quick]

And that is entirely what their main issue is besides well the greedy CEO lining his own pockets. They shifted away from the idea that you could get name brand products there at cheaper prices, but eventually started increasing prices so much that it didn't matter. They started focusing more on high ticket furniture items like fireplaces etc. I used to work at one and was in charge of the furniture department and id receive so much new furniture product that I physically could not fit it onto the sales floor so it would take me forever to get a new piece of furniture onto the floor because well not many people are looking for furniture currently. How many times a year does someone replace a piece of furniture?

[@LatitudeSky]

​@React2Quick Less than once. Furniture is a five year product, or even ten years. It doesn't wear out. Usually. And nobody cares if it is trendy. Furniture gets purchased only at major change points like moving into a new house, you know, the mythical thing people used to be able to buy.

[@Not_Always]

I went into a Big Lots twice in my entire life. I walked around, saw nothing that was of any real value and a lot of items without a price tag at all.

[@Not_Always]

@@LatitudeSky Right? I have furniture now that I will only replace if it breaks, because I am waiting to be able to afford to move into a bigger house to do so.

[@Tom______________]

I think a store named "Cheap Crap" would actually do pretty well.

[@charliemartin-k7m]

Well we got Dirt Cheap.

[@PolPotsPieHole]

lol, I'd shop there

[@TechGorilla1987]

Ollies - Good Stuff Cheap. Very successful central PA based chain.

[@chrisw8249]

@@charliemartin-k7m We had a Dirt Cheap here, was really cool for the first week or so that it was open, after about 2 weeks the entire store was such a jumbled mess that you could barely even shop for anything. Was so messy, stuff in the aisles, had no idea where anything was. It closed in less than a year.

[@GreekRoyalty]

@@TechGorilla1987 Came to say Ollie's is pretty much that!

[@thefloridianman]

The liquidator consultants behind the closure of multiple Big Lots were also behind the liquidations of some JCPenney stores, all Rue21 stores, half of Tuesday Morning stores and more

[@clairesmyth8733]

I get the impression that it's one company contracted by these retail entities for liquidating locations. Same game plan. When there's enough space in the store, they'll put out the oriental rugs. The liquidation company usually has the right in the contract to showcase one item that's pure profit for their group, not the client.

[@BottomBunkArt]

5:36 I just checked your old big lots video and those cards are the exact same price

[@JeremyLeePotocki]

Big Lots lost it's meaning/purpose years ago. In the beginning I would get great deals on overstock/closeout products (started going in the early 2000's). Then in the last 15 years I would drop by from time to time just to see if they got something food/electronics wise that the others don't have. In the last 5 years even that became pointless thanks to Amazon picking up the slack were other local retailers lack. It use to be like Ollie's, but now it's no better than a cleaner Dollar General that merged with a furniture store.

[@TheHrb1234]

People know that "Liquidation Sale" signs mean increased "normal" prices with a little discount taking them to a higher net cost than prior to the liquidation.

[@clairesmyth8733]

Liquidation means the prices are jacked up to offset the costs incurred by an outside liquidation entity to manage the sale. They're just hoping you won't notice that you aren't getting any deals.

[@Sashazur]

To me it just means a waste of time, where most of the stuff I either don’t care about or it isn’t priced attractively. I don’t track prices carefully, I just know if it’s more than I want to pay.

[@nachgeben]

9:25 ngl that gray couch set on the left bottom corner is pretty sweet. idk the price, but I like the additional seating under the table, and just the overall appearance of it.

[@Nuggs1980]

Loved going to Pik-N-Save /MacFrugals / Big Lots as a kid. My mom would spend hours shopping in this store back in the 80's and 90's. So many great buys, home decor, holiday decorations, and everything was so cheap! Once Big Lots started focusing on furniture sales and eliminating a lot of their clothes and home decor, it just went downhill. Shame 😢

[@LatitudeSky]

We had a MacFrugals and loved it. Big Lots bought them out and tried to shoehorn the much bigger Big Lots format into the smaller MacFrugals space. It was a disaster.

[@MargDBX]

I miss Pic N Save

[@shannawallace7855]

Yep we bought all of our Christmas decorations there in the 90s and 00s! Checked them out last year though and didn't find anything that great :(

[@bblvrable]

I usually won't even check out a liquidation sale unless they're hitting 70% off. These 20% discounts.. like come on guys, if you're not even willing to sell things at cost to move them, why would I bother? I can find better deals at a liquidation store or an outlet centre.

[@JamesB-r6h]

A couple things from an insider. I'm a manager at Big Lots. 1. From watching the last video I think I can tell you where Big Lots went wrong. We weren't a close out retailer! We had like 20% of the store devoted to close outs but the majority of the product was bought straight from the manufacturer. With that came price hikes and constant price changes with inflation! We have started a turnaround plan that the upper management has literally just begun. It gets back to the roots of closeout bargain shopping. It's been pretty successful so far! The company has started doing away with the never out items that are exactly the same as the product you find at Walmart and Target and has started sending closeout and buyout items. 2. The store you were at is closing but not looking empty because neighboring stores have been sending thousands of dollars worth of non moving inventory for weeks. The liquidator is also sending in their own products to keep the shelves full. The store won't look picked over until the end of the sales, when they start selling fixtures and other items.

[@thenatureboy1837]

I remember Big Lots selling refurbished, off brand electronics, such as MP3 players and tablets. Almost every electronic I bought didn't work lol

[@HorologicRannygazoo]

Big Lots shoppers know to avoid closing locations. 5% to 10% off is less than the 20% off coupons they email, and closing locations don’t accept the coupons. 2) No returns allowed. So stupid.

[@radar_the_fox]

yeah big lots sends coupons like crazy, i litteraly saved 50$ off a 100$ purchase there

[@josephtafur]

The retail apocalypse is getting worse.

[@ChatterboxFM]

A lot of the places shutting down already felt like they were on borrowed time 8 years ago. I guess Big Lots is just latest victim? I’m curious to see what nationwide chain goes next.. Best Buy? Maybe Marshall’s?

[@jetman80pops]

Retail apocalypse nah more like the ineptitude of these businesses and how they are run is what is causing them to go out of business

[@CommodoreFan64]

@@ChatterboxFM Far as physical locations I could see Best Buy going next, as they seem to be making a bigger push for staying alive with online sales, and I've gotten a few deals from them recently when I was building a couple new computers like RAM, SSD, and Power supplies.

[@christiangonzales7429]

@@ChatterboxFM Probably Dollar Tree and Family Dollar.

[@josephtafur]

@@ChatterboxFM Marshall's and TJMaxx are doing well Possibly Gamestop is next

[@wes8382]

Nope. They stopped being a discount store and turned into a furniture store with reg priced items around the edges. Shadow of what they used to be. Also George Foreman grills work well for indoor grilling.

[@Kurosawa3]

This summer I applied to a local Big Lots. I could tell in the interview the management was a disaster, which means the store was most likely poorly run. So glad they never called me back.

[@Markimark151]

I’m surprised that Big Lots hasn’t filed for bankruptcy yet! They’ve already closed hundreds of stores, and even looking at these liquidation sales seem really pathetic, because they aren’t lowering their prices enough, which makes their overall business obsolete.

[@kevlarandchrome]

Big Lots is a mess, I stop in there about once a month to buy toilet paper because that's the only thing they have that's better priced than regular grocery stores anymore. Everything else is either stuff that I would categorize as literal garbage, or severely overpriced. They wanted like $6.50 for a bottle of Ocean Spray brand juice that I can get at Publix for just over four dollars, and is often on sale BOGO. The place has become a joke.

[@toddprater14]

Havnt been there in like 4 years ..I’d buy toilet paper and paper towels there and candy. That was about it…you coukd also get some pretty decent furniture there as well…a recliner that was big and comfy for like 299

[@radar_the_fox]

what??? walmart poptarts are like 3.50 vs big lots 1.99 ...

[@kevlarandchrome]

@@radar_the_fox Well, I don't shop at wallyworld or eat shit, so I can't really comment on that.

[@kevlarandchrome]

@@toddprater14 The furniture has gone to shit. I bought one of those recliners to fill out my living room about five years ago, then I needed another one before the holidays last year, quality has completely gone. I've had to return that one twice, finally got my money back, because the reclining mechanism on the thing broke, same way both times.

[@toddprater14]

@@kevlarandchrome geeze , guess everything is junk now , and I mean everything

[@OfficialDiRT]

We have 2 BL stores in our town of 100,000 and both are still operational. I have noticed though that the selection has gotten worse over the past few years. Before the pandemic, they were a great place to find stuff already gone from other stores - seasonal toys and electronics come to mind. Since then, they've been stocking more of their own "discount" merchandise.

[@drscopeify]

Yeah I noticed the same here in WA state, they opened the stores in my area in the last 10 years but during COVID the fun items disappeared, maybe now that stores have merchandise and sells are slower they might start to get the items they are known for again but I assume COVID messed up their usual supply.

[@jayd.1947]

georgre forman grills are AWESOME! i have 3 of them hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, chicken breasts, sausage, etc. they're great to have when you can't grill in winter (I live in Wisconsin)

[@Optopolis]

I've heard REGULAR complaints about how the Cheyenne, WY store raised prices in the few weeks prior to the liquidation sale starting. So people REGULARLY have been complaining about how the "up to 20% off" (or now 25% off) isn't really a discount. By the way, the food isn't on sale. I learned that the hard way. OH THATS ANOTHER THING! My store also is making people hold those big signs. They say and have said "up to 30% off," but that's a lie! Nothing is above 20 (or now, 25) percent off. The second day of my store's liquidation, the store was packed, but that was about it.

[@clairesmyth8733]

The only items at 30 percent off were apparel items (Late July visit at the Milpitas Big Lots). "Up to 20% off" is that bit of legalese to cover that range of may/may not be on sale. There wasn't anything that interesting there. I saw someone leaving that bought a large no. of Keurig coffeemakers, but that was it..

[@sonic-factory]

Same thing is happening in the UK, where stores aren't simply just selling stuff bargain price to close down. Asset strippers seem to be conscious they can still make money of crap even if it has to move to a different store.

[@fishpond2894]

the only actual discounts you can get anymore are from thrift stores, and chains like Goodwill are already infamous for hiking prices. as a young person who hasn't experienced this sorta decline before, it's a little scary not knowing when the retail death spiral's gonna end lmao (also 7:49 they still make zhuzhu pets !?)

[@TheLastRaven6]

Or sometimes the people marking the price dont know WTF they are doing, I got the FMA(Pre brotherhood relase) Movie on DVD, FOR some reason it was marked of the price for their series DVDs, thank god the guy checking me out knew I was right when I pointed out it was just a single movie.

[@floydsemlow8253]

Big lots is great for furniture on a whim, I would never buy any kind of food from there ever again, I bought a box of cereal a few months back. When I got home and opened the box you wouldn't believe the amount of bugs that came out that I never seen before in my lifetime. If I ever have to go back in that store again it'll be too soon

[@ilikecats4711]

Oh my god, that's horrifying! I would never feel clean again, eeuugh!

[@KawaiiCat2]

Ewww. I would bring the cereal back and demand a refund!

[@floydsemlow8253]

@@KawaiiCat2 oh I got my refund! But never ever Again!!!

[@floydsemlow8253]

@@ilikecats4711 haven't eaten cereal since!

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

Reminds me of one time long ago when i lived out in the boonies. And the nearest grocery store was like 20 miles away. But there was a convenience store like a mile away. And one day i realized I was out of cereal so after I pumped gas i bought a box of frosted flakes. Well the next morning i open the box and hundreds of little weevils started pouring out of the bag. Took the box back to the store and they acted like i put them in the bag. 🤦

[@hiker64]

Big Lots got greedy as other retailers did hoping to get in on the great Covid corporate price-gouging of 2019 and beyond. Big Lots always used to be closeout items but tried to start presenting itself as a regular retailer and furniture store. They lost their way and now they are getting demolished. It's a shame because Big Lots is a nice niche store where people can get essentials without having to brave the crowds and crazy of places like Target, Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers. I'd still pay the same price as Target in order to avoid crowds and crazy parking lots. I guess we'll see. Additionally, 5% off isn't going to make someone go to Big Lots for anything, really.

[@visceratrocar]

I worked there in 2007 and they were overpriced then, too. That's even with an employee discount.

[@joshuajerrythereviewer]

My local Big Lots in Plattsburgh New York is closing it was added at the last minute the employees told me it wasn't supposed to be closing

[@monkeydude23100]

There’s a Big Lots about two minutes from my house. It’s one of the three in the state I live that is closing. It’s a bummer. My wife and I would have a date night at the restaurant across the parking lot and then hit up Big Lots. I’ve gotten some pretty good deals on movies but that’s about it. The Big Lots here opened in 2022 and was never busy. Not a surprise they’re closing but I’ll definitely miss them.

[@misterhat5823]

Big Lots' problem is that they sale expired junk for more than Walmart charges for decent product. Big Lots hasn't been a place to get a deal in about a decade. Speaking of that... It won't be long until people catch on to Ollie's playing the same game.

[@TheLastRaven6]

Ehhh Ollies usally gets overstock that close to going out. I got a box of poptarts there that were still good, most the time foods good after the sell-by date. Though they also get overstocked items, first time in an ollies I got the WOW story book and ART of starcraft book for a FRACTION of the cost I woulda paid BnN for. I think BnN wanted 45 for the Story and 50 for the art book, I paid 15 and 20. I also got Monster Java nitro 12 pack for basically a dollar a can and calypso (What classic sobe rebranded to.) Lemon Tea for a dollar a bottle. So Ollies isnt to bad.

[@radar_the_fox]

are you stupid???? how come i see almost all food at big lots cheaper then walmart LOL

[@Draknfyre]

@@TheLastRaven6 Those Blizzard books have gone down even more. A few months ago they had them for $7-$8.

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

Why is big lot's struggling? Well 20 years ago they were a discount/Closeout store and they would have a lot more of the closeout merchandise with a lot better prices. They were more like Ollie's. But around 15+ years ago they decided to change their image and inventory. They've always sold furniture. But back then it was less than 15% of the store layout. Now it's 50% if not more. And gone are the closeout deals. They still have some closeout type merchandise, But it's way overpriced.

[@Draknfyre]

The chain was bought out/new CEO came in and decided pure greed was the best option.

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

@@Draknfyre Isn't that the story of most retailer's. Eddie Lampert most famously.

[@Draknfyre]

@@thisshouldbeentertaining3386 Well yeah, corporations and CEOs are always greedy. But in this case the CEO thought taking a chain known for closeout prices and often in lower-income areas and jacking the prices up would be a great idea. And now, possible full shutdown.

[@thisshouldbeentertaining3386]

@@Draknfyre Another store identity issue. Was when JCPenney brought in the apple executive Ron Johnson. JCPenney brought him in back in 2010 i believe because they just had 3-4 years of underperforming sales. And Johnson's bright idea was a total 180° He wanted to change JCPenneys long standing image of being a store for the middle class with good quality items at a fair price. And instead try to turn JCPenney into a something even fancier than a Nordstrom's, at least price wise. He quickly ditched all the sales flyers and coupons. Instead he said JCPenneys would now just have a everyday low price. But shoppers like me saw that those prices were nowhere close to what they previously were. A pair of Levi docker's that used to be $45 which were regularly on sale for $35 and you could use a $10 off $25 coupon making them $25. But now were $48. And along with the price structure change. Was a store revamp where he wanted to make the stores look very minimalistic. Very much like a apple store. This type of plan even to have been successful would've taken 10+ years to culture a new shopper base. Sometimes i think these CEO'S purposely try to destroy the companies who hire them. For they generally make way more when they get fired. Like their normal salary can be like $10 million per year. But if they do such a poor job they company will not only pay them their full salary for 10 or more years. But then give them tens if not hundreds of millions in stock. Which they then quickly sell which then makes the companies stock plummet even further.🤦

[@PlayrzClub]

​@thissho Bastardsuldbeentertaining3386

[@Tyneras]

I've got a few discount stores and regular stores and Walmart in close proximity to each other, so its convenient for me to hit all of them in one trip and compare. The issue seems to be the discount stores (particularly Ollies) do offer decent discounts on brand names, but often the discounted brand name is still more expensive than the full price generic store brand. So unless the brand is the only option (some things have no generic, or the generic is noticeably worse) they have no real advantage.

[@j.j.123]

Honestly the george forman grill is a game changer, ok not really but it is well worth the $20

[@CommodoreFan64]

100%, I have one one with the bun warming lid for years for when it too dang cold, or nasty outside to fire up the big grill, and it makes an a decent hamburger, sausage dogs, chicken breast for grill chicken sandwiches, pressed sandwiches, etc.. So I've more than got my money back on mine that I think was like 30 bucks at most.

[@StarlightPrism]

It really has its uses. I used one regularly for a long time. And unlike most cheap appliances I've had, it actually worked for years.

[@seand2711]

I used to love to shop Big Lots, but honestly haven't shopped them in years.

[@chrissawyer1484]

I remember that the Big Lots had Marvel Toy Biz figures for $1.99 back in the mid 90s. It was such a good place for finding stuff like that.

[@TheClockUpOnTheWall]

Ollie's is like that now, but they only have like 520 or so locations.

[@charliecoccia8875]

​@@TheClockUpOnTheWallAnd more coming. They are rapidly expanding out into the Midwest.

[@delibakerytravel]

You are so right. These stores have not been discount stores for sometime. Food prices are no better than grocery stores or Target etc. Love your channel.

[@Cherubicpants95]

New Serotonin just dropped

[@devildoll9929]

The problem with Big Lots is that it isn't much cheaper than Amazon or Walmart.

[@pillarnexustheancientgladiator]

The one in my town will stay open but the three in the next one over are closing. I've heard someone say theft was a problem for them, but it's never the only problem. I do like searching for DVDs and Blu-rays I want for my media collection, and they've been my source for toilet paper for the last few years, at least.

[@franzliebkin]

They may be shipping in merchandise from other stores that have already closed. Sears did that a lot.

[@migaisnotacat]

The Big Lots near me is doing the same thing, and yeah there's just nobody going into these stores. They just started doing 30% off and... still nothing. Maybe once it hits 50% it might bring some attention but until then, I really don't expect anyone to care.

[@petewoodwardsr558]

Filing Chapter 7 on 12/20/24, closing ALL STORES by Feb 14, 2025

[@dcnascarboy0514]

You beat me to it. LOL

[@markcalhoun9480]

5% is not even the tax in some areas

[@Canislupis32]

The one here in Salem, OR is closing and I waited till the sign said 30% off to see what I could get. The only thing that is 30% off is maybe 10 items in the furniture area and they were all the huge items (lowest price I could find was $250 with the 30% for a dresser the rest of the store had the signs saying "The price is so low you don't need % off" basically and then a few items (cosmetics and Room sprays) were a whole 10% off. I use to shop there but the fact the have huge signs that cost a way more then a few hundred all over the front only to be lured in to find nothing if not for furniture is held back. I would assume they are trying to get rid of the heavy big stuff as not to ship it to other stores. But sad to see it go and kinda glad as it was a homeless hang out in the parking lot and behind the store.

[@thegazetteyt]

The BL down the street from me closed. They charged retail for knock off brands. Their "Closing sale" was a joke, too. 10% off for weeks. I went during the middle of their sale, and all the stuff was still there. It was a joke.

[@jeffrapier947]

Talked to the people at one of my area stores, and they said they're not scheduled to fully close until November, with plenty of trucks still scheduled inbound.

[@artgoddess8042]

All the Big Lots in Tucson are closing and I'm so sad. They used to have the best seasonal merchandise for gifts around Halloween and Christmas, and party stuff like paper plates to. Also used to have nice cheap beauty sets and makeup. But you're right, not really any more.

[@ukipopo]

Having worked there for 5 years previous, the loan they're probably defaulting on was one to redecorate all the stores to bring the furniture displays front and center. It's no surprise to me that they're stubborn with the liquidation discounts. The lowest they usually like to go is 20% off, unless it's food that's about to expire. I'm surprised they've lasted this long. The redecoration made it clear that they were banking on furniture sales.

[@woksrandomchannel]

I remember Pic N Save had genuinely good deals. I rarely went after Big Lots took over.

[@kenkobra]

I remember Pic N Save in Tempe, AZ when I was a kid. It had to be around 1985 or so.

[@woksrandomchannel]

@@kenkobra yeah same timeframe for me as well.

[@TheBigdog868]

The problem I find with closeout retailers is that they're budget busters. You can't go in with a list. Their stock varies so much that you never know if they'll have what you came in for. Usually, you end up buying a bunch of junk that you didn't need! That's the kind of place you want to avoid when money is tight!!

[@visceratrocar]

Or just avoid altogether

[@Sashazur]

You just need self control, and a realistic view of whether it’s worth your time and gas money etc to go and check it out, and possibly leave empty handed. A good shopper will be able to handle that.

[@gordonlumbert9861]

I used to buy plastic models there once upon a time. It's sad to see them go.

[@Great-Documentaries]

5:50: Regarding the FIFA 22 book, I was in a 99 Cents Only store about a decade ago and they had 1984 LA Olympics programs for sale! That was the most oversold and overmarketed sporting event in human history, but even I was surprised that nearly 30 years on there were boxes of licensed items still available at retail!

[@Ghoulstille]

I can see why they shit the bed as a business. These companies never learn.

[@Not_Always]

Imagine holding back DVDS in an era when no one buys them

[@thelittlronan]

I went to a Big Lots recently, and when I was leaving, the manager or something seemed to be accusing me of stealing because he yelled, "YOU DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING YOU WERE LOOKING FOR???" It just felt odd. Now that store is closing.

[@CosmicKangaroo]

As a kid, going to Big Lots was an exciting thing to do. I usually found alot of good toys, movies and other things and actual cheap furniture. but once they focused more on furniture is when they kinda lost me.

[@TomWakeman-ul7om]

I worked at this store for 6 weeks, never more than 20 hours a week quit after got better job. They will send whatever doesn't sell to another store. Wait till 50% off.

[@3rdworldgarage450]

Big Lots is a poverty trap. The problem is that while the products may be cheaper to buy, they don't last so they require frequent replacement. This makes them more expensive in the long run.

[@wildannie6788]

I used to find all kinds of closeout stuff at Big Lots. Now they're just like any other store and not any cheaper either. Haven't been back in several years.

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

True Arizona OGs remember McFrugals

[@vampirezio6996]

We got a few similar stores to that here in RI

[@reijigamer]

I remember McFrugals. I went there all of the time.

[@christiangonzales7429]

I remember McFrugals back in Texas, but vaguely.

[@groton27]

@@vampirezio6996 Ocean State Job Lot is so much better then Big Lots and I still miss Benny’s

[@XiaoFury]

We had them in Louisiana, too.

[@yvonnem1919]

Back in the day when it was Pic N Save then Macfrugals, you really could shop for discounts. I think it all went down hill when Big Lots took over. Most of there food items are more expensive than the grocery store plus you have to be cautious that you are not buying expired food~

[@S0RGEx]

...and, now they're going out of business.

[@donnamyers2025]

Our big lots had stopped having toy isles. I asked why,and was told they only have toys around Christmas. I said, that’s weird. There are birthdays and other moments that we buy toys. That’s strange. They didn’t have much stock of anything else either.

[@Ma121Hunter]

I don't think they'll be able to turn it around. The Big Lot's in my town did a store remodel about two years ago, and despite our population increasing by 20,000 people since 2010, the place always seems to be dead. The remodel really didn't do them any favors, because they moved their grocery section further to the back of the store... and I mean, I get it, from a corporate stand, it means your customers have to see more of the store before they get what they want, and that can and usually does result in additional sales. But, they've got a LOT of local competition that I have no doubt takes business from em.. There's a discount food outlet across the street from them with a lot of variety of cheap food. There's a Kroger's next door for stuff you can't get at the discount place, and it happens to be sandwiched between not one but two separate charity stores that have a whole plethora of discount new and used home goods and furniture. The fact that they're unwilling or unable to actually lower prices to be more competitive with local rivals will only make a possible bankruptcy an inevitable one.

[@clairesmyth8733]

The Big Lots in Milpitas relocated to a better location two years ago. The store was considerably nicer than its earlier second generation location down the road. It's adjacent to a Dollar Tree, Ross and a Walmart. It's on the closure list.

[@gokh666]

Where I live in California we just got a new big lots and it’s closing. A lot of big lots are closing in California.

[@onemomentproductions]

It was written in the scriptures passed down long ago that DVD would one day get it's comeuppance for the unjust murder of VHS, it was also prophesied that Big Lot's would one day be judged and found guilty for the slow eventual death of Pic 'N' Save.

[@madmerlot841]

There is a chain in the northeast called Ocean State Job Lot which is seems to be doing OK (privately owned). Which is sort of in the same type of business.

[@utubepunk]

*Big Trouble in Little Big Lots!*

[@benbanks6302]

I remember when DVDs at big lots were a dollar or two back when DVDs were hot now they want five dollars or even more for a DVD that's crazy

[@Jonathanest90s]

A few Big Lots in my area in the I.E. in California has been closed down for a while and currently closing down. I kinda like that place honestly, it was cheaper and fun to shop around when I was a kid. Now it’s not worth bragging about.

[@refineme]

People have caught on that they aren’t a liquidator. They also can’t compete with others, like Aldi for food, 5 below, IKEA, etc.

[@1_Fish.2_Fish.Red_Fish.]

This is sad. I made a small fortune reselling from Big Lots. Use to drive all over CA & NV to hit em up. Cashiers would be amazed.

[@AV-sw7bj]

You're never going to really have a great Discount Store when shareholders are involved in the company

[@davidjames6879]

I knew Big Lots lost its way a few years back when (store near me--I guess it applies to all now) cleared out the center of the store for mattresses and bedding and furniture. I'm not sure who would think to shop there for that, but it certainly indicated it was not longer a "closeout" type store, but a more mainstream retailer with a few items priced a bit lower to get shoppers.

[@clairesmyth8733]

It did seem odd when they started carrying furniture and mattresses. I can go to Costco and purchase that type of item and have a better warranty and refund policy. With a mattress, (yes, I had to buy one recently), it really depends on where you want to use the mattress- guest bedroom for company, perhaps. I saw them at the store, but I wasn't looking for furniture at that moment.

[@Tarkov.]

Yeah, the deals are usually way worse than online stuff, like I ordered a comforter off Macy's for like 15 bucks I think, you'd be hard pressed to find one at biglots for less than 30. The only upside is that you didn't have to wait to get stuff, but in that case just go spend the same amount at walmart.

[@dawnpatrol700]

For decades, their checkout area was a mess, there was no definitive way to tell what line you were in. About 10 years ago, they redid the checkout lanes, making a queue line, that was lined with impulse items. That was a good idea. Then, they screwed up by changing from buying closeouts, to buying full-price items, that are available everywhere. I can understand the CEOs mentality, a lot of closeouts are junk. However, he acted like they HAD to buy them all, to get the few good ones. I don't know how that market works, maybe they do require bulk buys. I'm sure the profit margin on closeouts is super high, so why not take a couple bad items, to get 10 good?. Whatever the case, discontinuing closeout buys was a mistake. The furniture ended up being the only thing that was cheaper than elsewhere. I still love their clearance food endcap, I can usually find something close-dated, thats a good deal. I used to like to go in there, to find unique unexpected items. Lately, it just seems like a small Walmart

[@Not_Always]

queue

[@jenbentzel1981]

You would make a great advisor to these companies and help them avoid these common pitfalls of failure. Love your videos!!

[@chellastation]

I am going to catch out for the Biglots in my area. When Bed Bath and Beyond closed in the area, the prices where excellent. I felt bad for the employees, but I was happy to get a good price for table clothes, plates and envelops 💸👀

[@manny7318]

It's wild to think you called this over a year ago! You were one of the first to predict this would or could happen.

[@DannyGruesome]

Dollar General is a ripoff

[@jimmidan59]

I hardly ever saw what I considered "deals" in Big Lots stores.

[@EricaChavira-on4oz]

Same

[@LatitudeSky]

Ollie's has eaten their lunch. Big Lots used to be closeouts and bargain whatnot but they decided being a regular store with furniture and an occasional closeout was what they wanted to be, and consumers laughed and went elsewhere. Ollie's has stayed focused on closeouts and less furniture. Ollie's has in fact been so successful and grown so much, they have to scramble to find enough stuff to keep their stores fed. There is room left for Big Lots. Furniture cannot save them. Furniture chains are going under as well. Conn's for one. Big Lots only hope is to get acquired by somebody like Ollie's, but not Ollie's because they don't need Big Lots. They are doing fine alone and growing like a weed.

[@Not_Always]

watching other videos about the stuff at Ollie's they have been buying a lot of junk that no one is buying from them either.

[@ericknoblauch9195]

Big Lots is the next Sears and Kmart. Sears and Kmart started closing stores, and continued to do so until there were practically no stores left anymore to close. Now I see the same thing happening at Big Lots. The 99 Cents Only Stores all closed too. I do not think Big Lots will survive.