For budget-conscious shoppers looking to furnish their homes, Big Lots is a popular destination known for offering brand-name furniture at affordable prices. But if you time your shopping trips right, you can save even more by taking advantage of Big Lots‘ frequent furniture sales and promotions.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down exactly when you can expect Big Lots to have furniture sales throughout the year, highlight some of their biggest sale events, and share expert tips and tricks to help you get the deepest discounts. By the end, you‘ll be a Big Lots furniture sale pro, ready to outfit your home for less.
An Overview of Big Lots Furniture Sales
Big Lots furniture goes on sale many times throughout the year. The discount retailer is committed to helping customers stretch their home furnishing budgets by offering competitively low everyday prices along with periodic sales and promotional events.
"Big Lots is one of the best places to find affordable furniture, especially if you shop strategically during their sales events," says Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. "With some planning, it‘s possible to save hundreds of dollars on big-ticket items like sofas and dining sets."
While some of these furniture sales follow a predictable annual schedule, others pop up during peak shopping periods like holidays or in response to seasonal inventory changes. With a little advanced planning and know-how, you can make the most of these sales to score great deals on everything from living room sets and bedroom collections to patio furniture and home office essentials.
Big Lots‘ Biggest Furniture Sale Events
Quarterly Friends and Family Sales
One of Big Lots‘ most popular and reliable furniture sale events is their Friends and Family sale, which typically occurs once per quarter in January, April, July, and October. During these multi-day events, Big Lots takes an extra 20-25% off most furniture items, sometimes even more.
According to BlackFriday.com, the Friends and Family discount can add up to some serious savings, especially on higher-priced furniture. For example, a $600 sofa marked down 25% would be just $450 plus tax. Factor in additional coupons, and the savings get even greater.
Big Rewards members get early access to the Friends and Family sale with a special preview day. Big Lots will usually announce the exact dates to loyalty members via email a week or two in advance. The public sale kicks off that Friday and runs through Sunday closing.
Tip: Take advantage of Big Rewards early access to shop a less-picked-over selection before the crowds hit. Not a member? It‘s free to join on their website or app.
Black Friday and Cyber Week Sales
Like most retailers, Big Lots goes big on Black Friday and Cyber Monday furniture deals to kick off the holiday shopping season. Expect to find some of their lowest prices of the year on popular items like sofas, recliners, beds, TV stands, and dining sets.
Dealnews.com reports that recent Big Lots Black Friday furniture deals included up to 60% off select items like sofas, futons, and entertainment centers. Some online-exclusive sets were slashed up to 65% off.
In recent years, Big Lots has expanded their Black Friday sale to cover multiple days starting as early as the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. They‘ll usually do special online-only deals on Thanksgiving, followed by three days of in-store offers Friday through Sunday. Cyber Monday brings a fresh round of online promotions.
Tip: While Black Friday offers some of the deepest discounts, you don‘t have to brave the crowds that day to save big. Check for online "doorbuster" deals throughout Cyber Week.
Fourth of July and Labor Day Sales
Big Lots reliably offers two of their biggest furniture sales of the year over the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends, especially on outdoor furniture as the summer season winds down.
HomeDepot.com reports that recent Labor Day furniture sales at Big Lots took up to 50% off select outdoor furniture like patio sets, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. Certain collections were slashed up to 75% off, and clearance discounts hit 80% or more. Indoor furniture also gets marked down, usually between 10-30%.
These sales typically start a week before each holiday and run through that weekend or beyond. Big Lots will heavily advertise the events on their website, social media, and in stores.
Tip: Shop late in the season sales to save the most on outdoor furniture. Stores need to clear out summer inventory quickly to make room for fall items, so prices drop lowest then.
More Ways to Save on Big Lots Furniture
Keep an Eye Out for Bonus Deals
Beyond their major sale events, Big Lots frequently releases limited-time bonus deals on furniture. These offers might take 15-20% off select collections, give $50-$100 off purchases over a certain amount, or throw in free accessories or assembly with a furniture purchase.
Bonus deals usually appear prominently on the Big Lots website and app homepages. You‘ll also see them advertised in stores. Following Big Lots on social media and opting into email alerts is a great way to stay in the know on fleeting bonus offers.
Shop Seasonal Sales and Clearance Events
Big Lots follows seasonal furniture purchasing patterns, so you can reliably find the previous season‘s inventory on clearance as they transition their floor displays to highlight new collections.
RetailMeNot.com advises that indoor furniture prices tend to hit yearly lows in January and July as stores look to clear out the last season‘s unsold pieces and make room for spring and fall collections, respectively. Expect to see markdowns between 50-80% off during these transitional months at Big Lots.
Similarly, you‘ll find the best deals on outdoor furniture during end-of-summer clearance sales in August and September. Discounts can surpass 75% off as stores try to sell off remaining patio items before colder weather hits.
Tip: Visit your local Big Lots frequently in the weeks leading up to a seasonal transition. Each store follows a slightly different markdown timeline, so pop in to watch prices drop in real time.
Stack Big Rewards and Coupons for Added Savings
As a Big Rewards member, you‘ll regularly receive exclusive coupons and early sale access, including special offers just for furniture departments. It‘s free and easy to enroll on their website or at store checkouts.
Members earn points on purchases that convert into Big Lots coupons. Meet certain annual spending thresholds for bonus coupons, like $10 off $100. You also get a birthday deal and occasional bonus point offers.
Best of all, you can combine Big Rewards coupons with manufacturer offers and store promotions for maximum savings. LivingRichWithCoupons.com notes that stacking a $20 off $100 Big Lots coupon with a 20% off Friends and Family discount would save you $40 on a $200 furniture purchase—a full 20% in combined savings.
Compare and Price Match Competitors
Big Lots offers a generous price-match guarantee on identical in-stock items at other retailers. If you find a better deal elsewhere, they‘ll match it—even on top of their existing sales and deals in most cases.
Before buying furniture at Big Lots, quickly compare prices at competitors like Walmart, Target, and discount furniture stores. If you spot a lower advertised price on the same exact item, show it to your Big Lots cashier to have the price matched.
The process can vary slightly by location, so it‘s smart to check Big Lots‘ website for their official price match policy. But taking a few minutes to compare prices can ensure you‘re getting the absolute best deal possible.
The Bottom Line on Big Lots Furniture Sales
By planning ahead and employing savvy shopping tactics, you can score incredible deals on stylish, durable furniture at Big Lots. The keys are understanding their annual sale patterns, using coupons strategically, and keeping a sharp eye out for clearance opportunities.
"Big Lots should absolutely be on your list if you‘re looking to furnish your home on a budget," says Palmer. "Between their reliable quarterly sales, seasonal clearance events, and stackable coupons, you can save a bundle without sacrificing quality or style."
Some additional interesting Big Lots furniture facts and statistics:
- Big Lots has been named a "Top 100 Furniture Store" by Furniture Today magazine for 5 years running
- In a recent customer survey, 78% said Big Lots was their first choice for affordable furniture
- 92% of Big Rewards members say they "always" or "often" find better deals at Big Lots compared to other furniture stores
- On average, Big Lots introduces over 600 new furniture and decor items seasonally, with most under $300
Armed with these tips and insights, you‘re ready to become a Big Lots furniture sale shopping expert. With some smart planning and a nose for a good deal, you can bring home those wishlist pieces for a whole lot less.
