Big Lots is a well-known discount retailer that offers a wide variety of products ranging from furniture and home decor to groceries and seasonal items. For shoppers looking to stretch their budget, understanding how to navigate Big Lots deals is essential for finding the best value. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the store’s discount structure, loyalty programs, and seasonal sales cycles to help you save money on every visit.
Understanding the Big Lots Business Model
To find the best deals, it helps to understand how Big Lots sources its inventory. The company primarily operates as a closeout retailer, meaning they purchase overstock items, discontinued products, and packaging changes from other major brands at a discount.
Because of this model, the inventory at Big Lots can change frequently. What you see in the store one week might be gone the next, which is why many frequent shoppers visit regularly to catch new arrivals. This unique sourcing strategy allows the store to offer brand-name products at prices significantly lower than traditional department stores.
Join the Big Rewards Program
The most effective way to secure consistent Big Lots deals is by joining the Big Rewards loyalty program. This program is free to join and provides several layers of savings for regular customers.
- Earning Rewards: Members earn a $5 reward for every three qualifying purchases made.
- Birthday Surprises: Big Lots typically sends a special coupon or offer to members during their birthday month.
- Furniture Bonuses: For larger purchases, members can earn a $10 reward for every $200 spent on furniture.
- Frequent Coupons: Members receive exclusive email offers, including “20% off your entire purchase” events that occur several times a year.
By signing up for Big Rewards, you also gain access to your purchase history online. This makes it easier to track your spending and manage any returns if a product does not meet your expectations.
Navigating the Weekly Ad
Big Lots releases a Weekly Ad that highlights current promotions and limited-time discounts. You can find these ads at the front of the store or on the Big Lots website. Checking the ad before you shop ensures you don’t miss out on rotating deals for groceries, cleaning supplies, or seasonal decor.
The weekly ad often features “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) offers on specific categories. For example, you might find BOGO 50% off deals on apparel, toys, or storage containers. These promotions are usually time-sensitive, lasting only seven days, so it is important to check the start and end dates listed on the circular.
Finding Clearance and “The Lot” Deals
Every Big Lots location has a dedicated clearance section where prices are slashed to make room for new inventory. These items are often marked with red tags or stickers indicating the percentage of the discount. Clearance items can range from 25% to 75% off the original Big Lots price.
In addition to standard clearance, look for a section often referred to as “The Lot.” This area usually features curated, trendy items at low price points. While these items are already affordable, they occasionally go on further markdown if they have been in the store for an extended period.
Strategies for Buying Furniture
Furniture is one of the most popular categories at Big Lots because they carry brands like Broyhill and Real Living. While furniture represents a larger investment, there are specific ways to find Big Lots deals in this department.
Wait for Friends and Family Events
Several times a year, Big Lots hosts “Friends and Family” events. During these weekends, rewards members often receive 20% off their entire purchase, including furniture. This is the ideal time to buy sofas, mattresses, or dining sets, as the savings can amount to hundreds of dollars.
Price Hold and Financing
If you find a furniture piece you love but aren’t ready to pay the full amount upfront, Big Lots offers a “Price Hold” service. This allows you to lock in the current sale price for a set period. Additionally, the store offers various financing options and a Big Lots Credit Card, which may provide deferred interest or additional rewards for qualified buyers.
Seasonal Sales Cycles
Like many retailers, Big Lots follows a strict seasonal calendar. Understanding this cycle is key to getting the deepest discounts on outdoor furniture, holiday decor, and school supplies.
- Post-Holiday Clearance: The day after a major holiday (like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter), seasonal items are usually marked down by 50%. Within two weeks, these items often drop to 75% or even 90% off.
- End-of-Summer Sales: Patio furniture and gardening supplies go on deep discount starting in late July and August to make room for fall merchandise.
- Back-to-School: Look for deals on snacks, stationery, and dorm room furniture in late July and early August.
Shopping for seasonal items a few months in advance or immediately after the holiday is one of the most reliable ways to secure Big Lots deals.
Online Shopping and In-Store Pickup
Shopping on the Big Lots website offers unique advantages. Sometimes, the website features “Online Only” deals that are not available in physical stores. Conversely, the site allows you to check the inventory levels of your local store before you make the trip.
To save on shipping costs, utilize the “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” (BOPIS) option. This allows you to secure the items you want at the online price while avoiding delivery fees. Occasionally, Big Lots offers a special discount code specifically for customers who choose the in-store pickup option.
Maximizing Savings with Coupons
Big Lots is generous with coupons, but you must know where to look. Beyond the Big Rewards emails, you can often find coupons on the homepage of their website or through their mobile app. Always check for a “$5 off $15” or “$10 off $40” coupon before heading to the register.
Keep in mind that Big Lots generally does not accept manufacturer coupons from other brands. Because their prices are already considered closeout rates, they prefer that customers use Big Lots-specific rewards and promotional codes. Always read the fine print on coupons, as some brands or high-ticket items like milk or gift cards may be excluded.
Conclusion
Finding the best Big Lots deals requires a combination of timing, membership, and knowing where to look within the store. By joining the Big Rewards program, monitoring the weekly ads, and shopping the clearance sections during seasonal transitions, you can significantly reduce your household expenses. Whether you are furnishing a new home or simply stocking up on groceries, these strategies ensure you get the most value for your money.
For more tips on smart shopping and home management, explore our other guides on SearchAndHelp.com to help you navigate everyday financial decisions with confidence.