6 Items for Retirees To Splurge On, Settle For or Skip at Big Lots
Written by
Daria Uhlig
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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The news that Big Lots is closing its stores surprised and disappointed bargain-hunting retirees across the U.S. Closing dates will vary, but you’re running out of time to cash in on merchandise at 10% to 40% off.
To help you decide what to buy and what to avoid as you shop Big Lots in its final days, GOBankingRates poured through the site to find these picks, perfect for retirees.
Splurge: Broyhill Madison Lift Recliner
- Price: $699.99
This could be the recliner you didn’t know you needed. The lift feature is a major benefit for anyone who struggles to get out of a recliner and the Madison also has heat and vibrating massage.
Big Lots shoppers rate this chair 4.9 out of five stars. BJ’s sells a different style of the same model for $100 less, but chances are you’ll find Big Lots’ recliner at a significant discount.
Splurge: Quikpak K5 Inflatable Kayak
- Price: $99
With more free time and spring around the corner, paddling season is upon us and this one-person kayak from Quikpak will get you on the water at a significantly discounted price compared to the $170 you’d pay at Costco.
The kayak comes with everything you need: bicycle-style pump, paddle and a backpack carrying case. At 35 pounds, it’s one of the lighter budget-priced kayaks, but it holds up to 250 pounds.
Settle: Folding Quad Chair With Carrying Bag
- Price: $12.99
This lightweight chair is easy to carry to the beach, outdoor concerts and anywhere else you might need your own seating. Mesh panels keep you cool in hot weather. When you’re finished using it, just fold it up and slip it into its carrying bag — perfect for the retiree who’s on the go.
Coleman has a similar chair that costs twice as much on Amazon.com. At less than $13, Big Lots’ generic is a good compromise.
Settle: Dead Sea Collection Day Cream
- Price: $3.50
Dead Sea Collection’s face cream has hyaluronic acid and Dead Sea minerals to fight wrinkles and moisturize your skin. At a regular price of just $3.50, it’s less than one-third of the amount you’d pay on Amazon.com.
Similar products from big brands like CeraVe and L’Oreal Paris go for about $20 to $28 on Amazon.com and Walmart. Excellent reviews for the Dead Sea version and its ultra-low price are good reasons to settle for this lesser-known brand.
Skip: Arctic Air Pure Chill Personal Air Cooler
- Price: $39.99
The Arctic Air Pure Chill is an evaporative air cooler, also known as a “swamp cooler” — a fan that blows air over ice or cold water. This particular model also has a UV light, which the package says will disinfect the air.
The problem is that blowing air over water doesn’t really make the air cooler, but it does make it more humid. And it passes through the UV light too quickly for the light to kill germs, according to Consumer Reports.
Skip this one at any price.
Skip: Coolsense Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress-in-a-Box
- Price: $249.99 to $399.99, depending on size
A mattress-in-a-box makes sense if you’re looking to replace a mattress in a second home or guest room, where it won’t be subject to heavy use. But this one from Coolsense is just eight inches thick and it’s priced much higher than similar offerings from other retailers. Another red flag: no reviews.
Prices on Walmart’s version run from $139 for a twin to $186 for a queen and it has a 4.5-star rating from 200 reviewers.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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