We all want to find the best value for our hard-earned money, and the Big Lots survey gives you a chance to win a Big Lots gift card. From furniture to groceries and even hard-to-find-items, Big Lots offers a one-stop-shop for the savvy shopper.
Since the store’s inventory changes every week, if you see an item for a price you like, we advise you to buy it. It may not be there on your next visit. But because new items arrive at the store each week, there’s always something new to find at Big Lots.
We’ll give you information you need, in plain English, to enter the survey sweepstakes, below.
What Is Big Lots?
Headquartered in Colombus, Ohio, Big Lots is a discount retailer that was founded by Sol Shenk in 1967. He started Consolidated International because he enjoyed making deals on auto parts and vehicles. The Odd Lots/Big Lots closeout chain, what today is widely known as BigLots got started in 1982.
Over the years, these stores have been called Big Lots, Odd Lots, Mac Frugal’s Bargains, Closeouts, and Pic ‘N’ Save. Today Big Lots has 1,400 stores in 47 states. Each store has a slightly different selection of items
Company Mission
The core purpose of Big Lots is helping people save money. They do that by offering brand-name items and quality products and treating customers like family. Big Lots appeals to families on a tight budget and people who enjoy the thrill of a bargain hunt. The company focuses on providing “surprises on every aisle” meaning you’ll likely find a deal on something you need or love.
Connecting with Customers
Big Lots shoppers are more like fans, they love to go to the store each week to look for a great deal. When you shop at the store, you’ll find an invitation to take a Big Lots survey with prizes of Big Lots gift card. We’ll dig deeper into the Big Lots survey later in the article. But first a primer on what to buy and how to get the best deals.
What Products Are Available at Big Lots?
On a Big Lots survey, a shopper would find pantry items, health and beauty, makeup, household cleaners, seasonal items (especially toys at Christmas), mattresses, couches, area rugs, pet items, diapers, medicine, snacks, candy — the list goes on. But on a recent Big Lots survey, we found the top eight products you should consider buying at Big Lots.
Furniture
Big Lots may not be the first place you think of when furniture shopping, but don’t discount this discount store. It offers respectable name brands such as Simmons and Stratford. Some stores offer brand-new sofas, recliners, and dining sets. You can even purchase online-only furniture that you might find in higher-end stores, such as an upholstered, tufted, high-back settee.
Timing your furniture purchase with the end-of-season clearance sales will yield even more savings. Late summer means getting great deals on patio furniture that is being cleared out for holiday items. Discounts can be 25–50 percent off. The BIG Rewards program (see below) also offers a bonus on furniture.
Coffee
You’d be surprised at the selection of coffee grounds, beans, and k-cups that are available at Big Lots. These are name-brands that you would find in a grocery store, but for much less money. For $25, you can find 80 k-cup packs of your favorite flavors. In-store selection and online selection varies. But it might be worth your time to check out both.
Toys
From October to January, Big Lots is filled with toys. From dolls to remote controlled cars, games and more. Your holiday shopping can be done is a flash, with no malls and more money left in your wallet. There’s some talk that Big Lots and discount grocer are buying former Toys R Us locations.
Health and Beauty
This is a treasure trove of treats. Because Big Lots buys close-out items and overruns, you’ll find hair colors, bath soaps, shampoos and lotions that the other retailers have stopped carrying. All at bargain prices. You can stock up your medicine cabinet too because all of the medicines are still within their expiration date.
Home Decor
Yes, home decor can be found at Big Lots. From lush bath towels to more practical items such as non-slip pads for area rugs, you can find plenty of items to spruce up your nest. Sheets, curtains, candles, throws. Be sure to check online too.
International and Gourmet Foods
Big Lots has a surprising selection of international and gourmet foods from snacks, sweets, and desserts. Yum. These items will impress your foodie friends or make a great holiday gift. The selection changes, but the holidays offer the most selection of sweets and gifts. When buying a gift, be sure to remove the price tag. A little Goo-Gone or vegetable oil can help to loosen the sticker.
Why Shop at Big Lots Instead of Competitor Retailers?
In addition to the Big Lots survey where you can win a $300 store gift card, Big Lots offers shoppers many ways to save more money beyond the every day low prices. Other retailers offer coupons and discounts, but many times the offers can not be combined. Big Lots lets you combine deals and discounts.
BIG Rewards
BIG Rewards is Big Lots’ free rewards program. After you join, you’ll receive a $5 coupon to use on your first purchase of $15 or more. The coupon is valid in-store or online at BigLots.com. You get a $5 coupon for every three purchases. No minimum purchase. And you can combine rewards. Members receive special offers and discounts, including 20 percent off coupons. If you move, Big Lots will send a 20 percent off coupon to your new address. Bonus!
BIG Rewards offers a furniture bonus of up to $50 of store credit per qualifying purchase, with a $50 limit per week. Any indoor or outdoor furniture — gazebos and patio umbrellas — included qualifies for a store-credit bonus as follows:
- $200-$399.99 get a $10 bonus
- $400-$599.99 get a $20 bonus
- $600-$799.99 get a $30 bonus
- $800-$999.99 get a $40 bonus
- Spend $1,000+ and earn a $50 bonus
The Big Rewards program also allows you to shop during VIP events where you get 20 percent off of your purchase. They will even send you a birthday surprise. You can combine offers and coupons.
New Merchandise Every Week
While other stores get the same inventory repeatedly, Big Lots will have one-of-a-kind items for a limited time. So it’s like going to a new store, especially if you haven’t been in a month or two. Some people say it’s fun to see what bargains they can find.
Clearance
When Big Lots says clearance, it means clearance. Some stores will have an aisle of slightly marked down items. But Big Lots marks items down by 50 percent or more.
Big Delivery
For about $150 you can have all of the furniture you order online delivered to your home by a professional team.
Small Store
Compared with other large discount retailers, the Big Lot Store is small, more like a drug store or local grocery store. They are usually less crowded and quiet places to shop. Yet it has everything you need in a clean, friendly store.
Big Hearted
Big Lots has raised $13.5 million dollars, including $2.6 million dollars this spring, for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit freestanding pediatric healthcare system that provides services to children and adults with congenital conditions.
Big Lots Survey
How It Works
Every time you shop at Big Lots, or even if you don’t, you can enter the Big Lots survey to win the grand prize of a $1,000 Big Lots gift card. There are two ways to enter and $12,000 in prizes. There is a limit to one entry per day, per email address, regardless of the method of entry.
To enter the survey contest this way, you’ll need your receipt. The receipt has your transaction number, store number, time of visit and date of the visit. You’ll need all of these details to fill out registration at https://survey3.medallia.com/?biglots. The Big Lots survey is available in Spanish and English.
People who complete the survey are eligible to win a quarterly drawing. You do not have the make a purchase to take the Big Lots survey; simply click the link at the bottom of the screen under the survey box. You can find the complete survey contest rules, here.
No-Purchase Entry
In order to enter the contest without making a purchase, you can’t just go online and take the survey. You have to use the AMOE (Alternate Means of Entry). You are going to need a blank 3″ x 5″ card, an envelope, a stamp, and some information for each entry.
Remember to hand print, on the 3 x 5 card:
- Your Name
- Complete Address
- City, State, Zip Code
- Daytime Phone number
- Birth Date
Then, mail the 3 x 5 card, one per envelope, to:
Big Lots! Guest Experience Survey Sweepstakes Entry
625 Panorama Trail, Suite 2100
Rochester, NY 14625-2437
Each entry period, which is listed in the below chart, has a deadline for both the online survey and hand-addressed entry cards. You must have your entries postmarked before that date, and received by that date to be eligible.
Every entry must be complete and handwritten, not copied, stamped, or printed.
Make sure to read the complete rules for all the information.
Conclusion
What started 30 years ago as an auto parts store owned by a man who loved a deal, is now one of the most beloved discount retailers in the United States. The company is dedicated to friendly service, value, and providing affordable furniture, food, décor, etc. Its mission is to serve everyone like family. If you shop there, then you know what Big Lots has to offer. If you are new to Big Lots, visit one and see what the Big Lots experience is all about. Just be sure to take your Big Lots Survey.