Big Lots

Big Lots is like Walmart scaled down. You find everything from Kool-​Aid to Flat Screens here. It’s as if they unleash dozens of eight-​year-​olds in the Walmart Supercenter and whatever products they select are what Big Lots is going to sell.
«I Waaaaaant a butterfinger… and hello kitty stuff… and a recliner… and a blow torch.»
(Your local Big Lots may or may not have these items)
This is a place most people tend to avoid and for obvious reason. There is a lot of clutter and it can get uncomfortably crowded during hours in which the most foot-​traffic is present. But this place has a lot of hidden gems for cheap if you are willing to look for it.
On our most recent venture to Big Lots, it was merely for snacks. We picked up chips, some candy, some other useless junk food aaaaand… BOOM… we were gone.
However, I have purchased numerous useful and pragmatic items from Big Lots in the past: Pool toys, small furniture, cheap games, snack foods and so many other products over the years.
They also have furniture sets, beds, barbecue items, grills, all sorts of electronics; I could proceed for an extended period of time. But the best way to describe Big Lots is in my very first sentence of this review: It’s like Walmart, but minuscule when comparing size.

I usually shop at the Ina Big Lots but I was on the east side, near by. So Gary and I decided to pop in.
It’s a large Big Lots. The shelving is set up a little strangely (some are on an angle) but the goodies are the same good stuff.
The things I love at Big Lots are the healthy food items mixed in with the products for sale. Their food offerings change (they get odd «lots») so if you see something, don’t hesitate to get it then. I get some great stuff at Big Lots.
This time I found a fabulous cracker that I had found originally at the other Big Lots, but they had run out of them. Kavli brand garlic flavored rye crackers. Healthy, low calorie. OK, please don’t buy ‘em all out now that I shared this, OK? $ 1.50 a box. A deal. Got some canned asparagus, fancy ones. It’s a great place for salsas and condiments, or other food items.
I also scored on a Revlon lipstick for $ 2.00. I suspected I’d regret not buying another one (they had 3 – 4 of that color available)…sure enough, it was a great lipstick color and brand. And I am sorry I didn’t get another one. SIGH.
The cashier was very friendly and everyone was mellow and working away. I think we were the only customers at the night hour we went. You have to know your values to know what is a good buy or not at Big Lots. It was laid back and enjoyable to shop there, and they have plenty of variety from which to choose.