As one of the largest discount retailers in the United States, Big Lots has long been a go-to destination for shoppers seeking affordable furniture and home decor. With over 1,400 stores across 47 states and a thriving e-commerce business, Big Lots‘ furniture selection is a major draw for bargain hunters looking to furnish their homes on a budget. However, many customers may not realize the extensive network of manufacturers and suppliers working behind the scenes to stock Big Lots‘ showroom floors and online inventory.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll pull back the curtain on Big Lots‘ furniture sourcing strategy, exploring the key brand partnerships, private label collections, and global manufacturing relationships that keep the retailer‘s furniture assortment fresh and competitively priced. Whether you‘re a savvy shopper searching for the best deals or an industry observer interested in Big Lots‘ business model, understanding the company‘s furniture sourcing is essential.
Big Lots Furniture by the Numbers
Before diving into the specific brands and suppliers behind Big Lots‘ furniture selection, it‘s helpful to understand the scale and significance of the retailer‘s furniture business. While Big Lots initially built its reputation on closeout merchandise and overstock deals, furniture has become an increasingly important category for the company in recent years.
Consider these key statistics:
- Furniture and home decor accounted for approximately 24% of Big Lots‘ total net sales in fiscal year 2020, generating over $1.5 billion in revenue (Source: Big Lots 2020 Annual Report)
- Big Lots‘ furniture comparable sales increased by 10.5% in Q4 2020 compared to the prior year, outpacing overall company comp sales of 7.9% (Source: Big Lots Q4 2020 Earnings Release)
- According to a 2021 survey by market research firm Furniture Today, Big Lots ranked as the 15th largest furniture retailer in the U.S. with estimated furniture and bedding sales of $1.6 billion in 2020 (Source: Furniture Today Top 100 Furniture Stores 2021)
These figures underscore the vital role furniture plays in Big Lots‘ overall business strategy and financial performance. As the retailer continues to invest in its furniture assortment and omnichannel capabilities, understanding its supplier relationships and sourcing approach becomes all the more critical.
Decoding Big Lots‘ Brand Name Offerings
One of the key pillars of Big Lots‘ furniture strategy is partnering with well-known, reputable brands to offer popular items at discounted prices. By sourcing overstock, discontinued models, or special-buy collections from major manufacturers, Big Lots can provide shoppers access to recognized brands at a fraction of the typical cost.
Some of the most prominent brand names you‘ll find in Big Lots‘ furniture department include:
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Serta: As one of the largest mattress manufacturers in the United States, Serta has long been a household name in the bedding industry. Big Lots frequently stocks Serta mattresses and bedding accessories, offering shoppers a chance to score these premium products at bargain prices.
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Signature Design by Ashley: Produced by Ashley Furniture Industries, one of the world‘s largest furniture manufacturers, the Signature Design line offers stylish, value-oriented pieces across a range of categories. Big Lots regularly features Signature Design living room, bedroom, and dining room furniture in its ever-rotating assortment.
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Ameriwood Home: Specializing in ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture, Ameriwood Home produces functional, affordable pieces designed for easy setup. Big Lots often stocks Ameriwood Home office furniture, TV stands, and storage solutions, catering to shoppers who prefer the convenience of RTA options.
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Simmons: Another well-established name in the mattress industry, Simmons has a long history of producing high-quality bedding products. Big Lots periodically offers Simmons mattresses and bedding accessories as part of its evolving inventory mix.
According to Seth Basham, an analyst at Wedbush Securities who covers the retail sector, brand name partnerships are a critical component of Big Lots‘ furniture strategy. "Teaming up with respected manufacturers allows Big Lots to offer compelling value propositions that draw in shoppers and generate buzz," Basham explained. "Customers get the best of both worlds – the quality and reliability of a trusted brand, along with the unbeatable prices they expect from a discount retailer like Big Lots."
The Rise of Big Lots‘ Private Labels
In addition to brand name offerings, Big Lots has significantly expanded its private label furniture business in recent years. By developing exclusive collections in-house, the retailer can exert greater control over product design, pricing, and quality while differentiating itself from competitors.
Big Lots‘ primary private label furniture brand is Real Living, which encompasses a wide array of indoor and outdoor furniture pieces at entry-level price points. From sofas and sectionals to dining sets and patio furniture, Real Living offers budget-conscious shoppers stylish options for outfitting their homes without breaking the bank.
Launched in 2013, Real Living has quickly become a cornerstone of Big Lots‘ furniture assortment. The line‘s success reflects the retailer‘s efforts to curate a unique, value-oriented collection specifically tailored to its core customer base.
In 2018, Big Lots made headlines by acquiring the rights to iconic furniture brand Broyhill, which had previously been owned by Heritage Home Group before the manufacturer fell into financial distress. While Big Lots now controls the Broyhill brand, the actual production is handled by a third-party supplier based in China.
Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, views the Broyhill acquisition as a strategic move to elevate Big Lots‘ furniture offering. "Broyhill brings a level of name recognition and perceived quality that complements Big Lots‘ existing assortment," Saunders said. "It allows the retailer to attract a slightly more affluent customer while still maintaining its focus on value."
Together, Real Living and Broyhill form a powerful one-two punch in Big Lots‘ private label furniture lineup, offering shoppers a range of exclusive styles and price points not found at other retailers.
Beyond its domestic partnerships with brands like Serta and Ashley, Big Lots also relies on a complex network of international manufacturers to source furniture and home goods. With a global supply chain spanning multiple countries and continents, the retailer must navigate a web of logistical challenges and shifting market dynamics to maintain its competitively priced assortment.
China has long been a key sourcing hub for Big Lots, with the retailer relying on Chinese manufacturers for a significant portion of its furniture and home decor offerings. In recent years, however, rising labor costs, tariff uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions have prompted Big Lots to explore alternative sourcing markets.
In a 2019 interview with industry publication Furniture Today, Big Lots CEO Bruce Thorn discussed the company‘s efforts to diversify its supplier base and build agility into its sourcing operations. "We‘re always looking for opportunities to improve our supply chain and react to changing market conditions," Thorn noted. "That means building relationships in new regions, exploring different sourcing models, and staying flexible."
As Big Lots continues to refine its global sourcing strategy, shoppers can expect an ever-evolving assortment of furniture styles and price points from established partners and new players alike. By staying attuned to shifts in the global manufacturing landscape, the retailer aims to maintain its competitive edge and deliver unmatched value to customers.
Tips for Evaluating Big Lots Furniture Quality and Origins
For discerning shoppers, determining the quality and provenance of Big Lots furniture can be a challenge. With an inventory mix that spans brand names, private labels, and international suppliers, it‘s not always immediately clear where a particular piece was produced or how it stacks up in terms of materials and craftsmanship.
To help customers make informed purchasing decisions, here are a few expert tips for assessing Big Lots furniture:
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Check for brand names: If a piece is part of a recognized brand like Serta or Signature Design by Ashley, it will typically be prominently labeled as such both in-store and online. Brand name items may offer a higher degree of reliability and quality assurance due to the manufacturer‘s established reputation.
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Examine materials and construction: Whether you‘re shopping in-person or browsing online, pay close attention to the materials and construction techniques used in each piece. Look for solid wood frames, reinforced joints, and high-quality fabrics or leathers that will stand up to daily wear and tear. Don‘t hesitate to ask store associates or customer service representatives for additional details on a product‘s specifications.
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Read customer reviews: Online customer reviews can be a valuable resource for gauging the real-world performance and durability of Big Lots furniture. Look for patterns in customer feedback regarding ease of assembly, comfort, and long-term durability. Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary, but consistent themes across multiple reviews can be informative.
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Understand the return policy: Big Lots offers a fairly generous return policy on most furniture items, typically allowing returns within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange. However, certain categories like mattresses and outdoor furniture may have more specific requirements or restrictions. Familiarizing yourself with the return policy can provide peace of mind and flexibility if a piece doesn‘t meet your expectations.
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Investigate the origins: If you‘re curious about the specific origins or manufacturing details of a Big Lots furniture item, don‘t hesitate to reach out to the retailer directly. Big Lots‘ customer service team should be able to provide additional context on a product‘s sourcing or point you in the direction of relevant information.
By keeping these factors in mind and doing your due diligence, you can approach Big Lots furniture purchases with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of each piece‘s value and quality proposition.
Conclusion
As we‘ve seen, Big Lots‘ furniture business is a complex tapestry of brand partnerships, private labels, and global sourcing relationships. By leveraging its connections with major manufacturers, developing exclusive in-house collections, and adapting to changing market conditions, the retailer has built a thriving furniture category that serves millions of budget-conscious shoppers each year.
For customers, understanding the forces at play behind Big Lots‘ furniture assortment can lead to more informed purchasing decisions and a greater appreciation for the value the retailer delivers. By keeping an eye out for trusted brand names, evaluating materials and construction, and investigating origins when necessary, shoppers can navigate Big Lots‘ furniture offerings with confidence.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve and customer preferences shift, Big Lots will undoubtedly continue to refine its furniture sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships. By staying agile, responsive, and committed to delivering unbeatable value, the retailer is well-positioned to remain a go-to destination for affordable, stylish furniture for years to come.
