8 Things You Should Never Buy at Big Lots So You Don’t Waste Money
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Big Lots sells a little bit of everything at bargain prices. While you’ll surely find great deals, there are some items you should probably purchase elsewhere.
According to Supply Chain Drive, a large percentage of the retailer’s inventory comes from overstock, discontinued products and closeout situations, so its products – and sometimes quality – often need to be more consistent.
To avoid wasting money, here are some things you should steer clear of when shopping at Big Lots.
Heavy-Use Furniture
You can find different furniture at Big Lots, but experts say you should avoid heavy-use furniture, such as couches, recliners and dressers.
“You’ll find that the padding is often deceptively thin, the cushions will quickly become lumpy, the frame will sag or break, and the fabric will puncture or tear away from the sides,” says Daniel Szczesniak, founder, owner, and gift expert at All Gifts Considered, explained to Best Life.
Makeup
When looking at the makeup aisle at Big Lots, you may find products you recognize or unknown brands. Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, told Best Life that the quality of some of these makeup products is typically questionable or sometimes expired. Instead, purchase your makeup products at drugstore brands like CVS or big-box retailers like Target or Walmart.
Electrical Cords
Big Lots sells all sorts of electrical cords and extension cables, but Home Hacks noted that some cords may be defective. There must be a way to truly know where the cords came from, as the retailer typically receives discontinued items or items through a store closing. Faulty electrical cords pose a serious hazard, including electrical shock and fire risk.
Condiments
Big Lots sells all sorts of condiments, but Ramhold told Best Life that you’ll likely find better deals elsewhere. She recommended shopping at Target or Walmart instead, and buying generic brands you trust to save even more.
Brand-Name Snacks
You’ll find brand-name snacks at lower prices at other retailers. “The best value on these items will probably come from warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club, but even traditional grocery stores can offer excellent savings and buy-one-get-one promotions in their weekly sales,” Ramhold said.
Jewelry
Big Lots has a large selection of jewelry, but you may not know exactly what you’re getting. According to Home Hacks, some are made of materials that may be unsafe to wear, while others may have broken or missing stones.
Paint
Paint can be expensive, but it’s something you shouldn’t cheap out on. Home Hacks reported that Big Lots sells paints and stains, but these products may be old, and some may even be returns. This could ruin your walls, or start peeling very quickly.
Clothing
Clothing at Big Lots doesn’t exactly have the best reputation. The sizing is usually off, and the designs are often flawed, according to Home Hacks. In some cases, there could be holes or defects.
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