The local (best store in the world) Big Lots is closing in my neighborhood. I'm so sad. I really, really mean that. I went to Big Lots all the time, and when we went, we talked to the people who worked there. We didn't just go in, get what we wanted, pay for it, and leave. No, we had relationships with the cashiers and workers. I can name nearly every single person who worked there for the past several years.
It will be incredibly sad to see it pulling out of our neighborhood. I just found out they are closing nationwide. We get most of what we want sent to us by Amazon, so I can see how a brick-and-mortar store would shutter if most people do that. The only things I would buy at Big Lots recently would be candles, the ones on sale because they always have them. I bought cleaning products, cat litter, some foodie items that I don't think Kroger has, and I bought bathroom products.
Lately, to be honest, I have purchased most of my bathroom products online as well. The prices are great, and they're delivered to my house. Laura and I went to get a few things for another reason today. I needed to break a couple of $20 bills, and I figured, why not buy a candle with one $20 bill and get the change, and then buy something else under $10 to get another broken. I need the $10 bills to tip my Kroger delivery men and women. It's a win-win.
We went into the store, and the flyers told the story boldly enough. There were orange, red, yellow, and white flyers saying the store could not accept any returns and that all sales were final, and that led me to believe that the store was closing. EVERYTHING was on sale, so yeah, it's closing. I decided to look about, and I'll go back over the weekend to see if there is anything I simply can't live without, and at 10-40% off. I can find a few things that meet all the necessary criteria when the price is good enough.
Today...because I can, I bought a pair of Laura Ashley pajamas that online would cost $44. At Big Lots, they were marked $19.99, and then, with the 20% markdown, I was able to get them for $16. I think, or close to it. Not a bad price for really very comfortable pajamas - and/or work clothes if you know me. I wake up and put my pajamas on; I don't wear them to sleep in. Working from home has been so very wonderful. I look outside during the winter months, see the ice and snow on the roads, and pour another cup of hot coffee.
Big Lots...I will miss you. I can't remember the first time I saw an advertisement for the store, but Jerry Van Dyke was the main lead in the commercials. He was funny, and I liked his smile. I think it's been right at 25 years. I just Googled it, and it says 2000 - so there you go, close enough. The fact that all Big Lots stores are closing is really something else - the CEO is hoping another store chain will come through and purchase all their wares, but they're starting their big close-out sales. I may go Christmas shopping 11 months early; why not?
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