If you‘re a bargain hunter who loves scoring amazing deals, chances are Big Lots is one of your favorite shopping destinations. This popular closeout retailer offers an ever-changing selection of deeply discounted furniture, home goods, seasonal items, pantry staples, and so much more.
But with inventory that‘s constantly in flux, it can be tricky to know exactly when your most-wanted items will be back on Big Lots‘ shelves. Whether you‘re refreshing your patio setup, upgrading your decor, or stocking up on essentials, timing your shopping trips around Big Lots‘ restocks is key to nabbing the best deals.
As a veteran retail merchandiser and strategic shopping expert, I‘m here to share an insider‘s perspective on how to master Big Lots‘ unique restocking rhythm. I‘ll dive deep into the factors that shape Big Lots‘ inventory behind the scenes, share data-driven insights on how to track down the most sought-after deals, and provide pro tips to help you plan your shopping for maximum savings.
Ready to become a Big Lots shopping pro? Let‘s get into it.
Decoding Big Lots‘ Restocking Schedule
First things first: how often does Big Lots typically restock its shelves? While most stores receive new shipments once or twice per week on average, the exact cadence can vary quite a bit. "The restocking schedule is really the secret sauce behind Big Lots‘ success as an off-price retailer," says Jordan Samuelson, a retail analyst at GreenPoint Partners.
There are a few key factors at play:
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Vendor Relationships: As a closeout retailer, Big Lots‘ merchandise is sourced from overruns, overstocks, liquidations, and one-time deals offered by its network of suppliers. Different vendors may have different lead times and delivery schedules, which can impact when specific products hit store shelves.
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Category Demand: Products that sell quickly, such as snacks, cleaning supplies, and seasonal decor, are typically restocked more frequently than slower-moving categories. For example, Big Lots reports that its food category has an inventory turnover rate of 7.5, compared to 3.9 for furniture.[^1]
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Store Location: Larger Big Lots stores in high-traffic urban areas may receive shipments more often than smaller or more rural locations, based on sales volume. Stores located near major ports or distribution centers may also see more frequent deliveries.
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Regional Trends: Big Lots‘ merchandising team carefully curates each store‘s assortment to appeal to local customer preferences. For example, stores in colder climates may carry more winter gear, while coastal locations stock up on beach essentials during the summer months.
So while there‘s no one-size-fits-all restocking schedule, Big Lots works hard to keep its stores stocked with the most in-demand items. "Our goal is to provide a treasure hunt experience on every trip," a Big Lots spokesperson told RetailWire. "That means constantly refreshing our assortment and showcasing new deals as often as possible."[^2]
The Scoop on Big Lots‘ Omnichannel Inventory
In recent years, Big Lots has invested heavily in its e-commerce capabilities to complement its brick-and-mortar footprint. Savvy shoppers can often score web-exclusive deals and ship-to-home or ship-to-store options on biglots.com.
But how does Big Lots keep its online and in-store inventory in sync? The retailer uses a combination of forecasting tools, real-time data analytics, and automated replenishment technology to dynamically allocate stock across channels.
"We‘ve built a lot of intelligence into our inventory management system," noted Big Lots CEO Bruce Thorn in a recent earnings call.[^3] "It allows us to see exactly what‘s selling in each store and online, so we can quickly move products to meet customer demand."
This integrated approach means that inventory availability on biglots.com generally mirrors what you‘ll find in stores, with a few exceptions. Some online-only deals may be fulfilled through Big Lots‘ network of distribution centers, rather than store stock. And certain oversized or high-velocity items may be available for in-store purchase only.
Maximizing Your Savings: Restock Shopping Tips
Now that you have a sense of the strategy behind Big Lots‘ restocking schedule, let‘s talk tactical tips. Here are some pro moves to help you score the best deals:
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Time Your Trip: While restocking can happen any day of the week, most Big Lots stores receive their largest shipments on Thursdays in preparation for weekend sales.[^4] Hit the store early on Friday morning for the best selection on the newest deals.
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Read the Tags: Big Lots‘ price tags contain a wealth of information for eagle-eyed shoppers. Items with a yellow tag ending in a "0" are typically closeout deals with limited stock, so snap them up fast. Regular-priced merchandise usually has a white tag.
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Check Online: Before heading to the store, scope out Big Lots‘ website to see what‘s in stock and compare prices. You may be able to place an order for in-store pickup to guarantee you don‘t miss out on a hot seller. The site also runs occasional web-only promotions.
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Stack Your Savings: Always check the Big Lots weekly ad for coupons and special promotions before shopping. If you‘re a member of the BIG Rewards loyalty program, you can also earn cashback on every purchase. Combine sale prices, coupons, and rewards to maximize your discount.
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Follow on Social: Big Lots‘ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds are a goldmine of information on new product drops, limited-time deals, and restock alerts. Following your local store‘s page is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest shipments.
By leveraging these insider strategies, you‘ll be well-equipped to take advantage of Big Lots‘ ever-changing inventory. "The key is to be flexible and act fast," advises Samuelson. "If you see a deal you love, don‘t hesitate—it may not be there the next time you visit."
Big Lots‘ Inventory Strategy: The Big Picture
Big Lots‘ frequent restocking and nimble merchandising approach have been critical to its success in the competitive off-price retail space. By constantly refreshing its assortment and passing along big discounts to shoppers, the company has cultivated a loyal following of bargain-hunters.
In fiscal 2021, Big Lots reported net sales of $6.2 billion, with comparable sales up 13.1% over the prior year.[^5] Its closeout model allows it to maintain healthy margins even while offering rock-bottom prices. And its growing e-commerce presence has helped it reach even more deal-seekers.
Big Lots‘ merchandising team works hard to curate a unique product mix tailored to each store‘s local market. The company sources goods from over 5,000 vendors worldwide, with a focus on opportunistic buys and one-time deals.[^6] Its strong vendor relationships and sophisticated supply chain allow it to secure big discounts and move inventory quickly.
Closeout items and overstocks typically have razor-thin margins for Big Lots‘ suppliers, which means the company can acquire this merchandise for pennies on the dollar. It then passes along a portion of this discount to customers, while still maintaining a healthy profit margin. This strategy creates a win-win: vendors can quickly liquidate excess inventory, while Big Lots can offer unbeatable deals.
Of course, the flipside of this model is that once an item sells out, it may not be restocked. "When we buy closeouts, we generally purchase all that is available," notes Big Lots in its annual report.[^7] "We have no guarantee of being able to purchase more of these products."
That‘s why it‘s so important for bargain shoppers to act fast on Big Lots‘ most exciting deals. While the company works hard to keep its shelves stocked with new treasures, the most coveted items can move quickly. Flexibility is key to getting the most out of every Big Lots shopping trip.
Feel-Good Deals: Big Lots‘ Philanthropic Side
In addition to delivering incredible deals, Big Lots is also committed to giving back to the communities it serves. The company partners with several charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Nationwide Children‘s Hospital.
In many cases, these partnerships involve special merchandise promotions that benefit Big Lots‘ nonprofit allies. For example, in 2021 the company sold a line of exclusive t-shirts, totes, and other items designed by patients at Nationwide Children‘s Hospital. A portion of the proceeds was donated back to the hospital‘s pediatric research and care programs.[^8]
Big Lots also empowers its individual stores to support local causes through product donations and volunteer events. By strategically leveraging its inventory and resources, the company is able to make a positive impact while still delivering unbeatable value to shoppers.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, there‘s an entire world of strategy and logistics behind Big Lots‘ incredible prices and treasure hunt shopping experience. By mastering the art of opportunistic buying, building a nimble supply chain, and constantly refreshing its assortment, the retailer is able to offer some of the best deals in the business.
But it takes a savvy shopper to fully capitalize on Big Lots‘ ever-changing inventory. By understanding the company‘s restocking rhythms, using insider tips to track down the hottest deals, and acting fast on limited-stock merchandise, you can outfit your home with amazing Big Lots finds for a fraction of the competition‘s prices.
"At the end of the day, it‘s all about delivering unbeatable value and an exciting shopping experience," says Samuelson. "Big Lots‘ restocking strategy is key to keeping customers coming back for more."
So the next time you‘re on the hunt for a screaming deal, keep these expert insights in mind. With a little persistence and a strategic approach, you just might score the Big Lots find of a lifetime.
[^1]: Big Lots 2021 Annual Report[^2]: RetailWire, "Will Speed Determine Retail‘s Inventory Management Transition?" April 2021
[^3]: Big Lots Q4 2021 Earnings Call Transcript
[^4]: "The Best Time to Shop at Big Lots," CBS 12 News WBNG, May 2021
[^5]: Big Lots 2021 Annual Report
[^6]: "Big Lots Forges a Future of Growth," RIS News, March 2022
[^7]: Big Lots 2021 Annual Report
[^8]: "Big Lots Raises Over $3 Million Dollars for Nationwide Children‘s Hospital," PR Newswire, July 2021
