Big Lots Inc's Business Segments

The Company is the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer. The Company's goal is to build upon its leadership position in broadline closeout retailing by expanding its market presence in both existing and new markets. The Company believes that the combination of its strengths make it a low-cost value retailer well-positioned for continued growth. The Company's Web site is located at www.biglots .com. Wholesale operations are conducted through Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated International, Wisconsin Toy, and with online purchasing at www.biglotswholesale.com.

CLOSEOUT RETAILING

Closeout retailers provide a service to manufacturers by purchasing excess product that generally results from production overruns, package changes, discontinued products, or returns. Closeout retailers also take advantage of generally low prices in the off-season by buying and warehousing seasonal and general merchandise for future sales. As a result of these lower costs of goods, closeout retailers can offer merchandise at prices lower to significantly lower than those offered by traditional retailers.

RETAIL OPERATIONS

The Company's stores are known for their wide assortment of closeout merchandise. Certain core categories of merchandise are carried on a continual basis, although the specific brand-names offered may change frequently. The Company's stores also offer a small but consistent line of basic items, strengthening their role as dependable, one-stop shops for everyday needs. In addition, the stores feature seasonal items for every major holiday, as well as a wide assortment of merchandise for the home, including furniture, home d'cor, and domestics.

WHOLESALE OPERATIONS

The Company also sells wholesale merchandise which is generally obtained through the same or shared opportunistic purchases of the retail operations. Advertising of wholesale merchandise is conducted primarily at trade shows and by mailings to past and potential customers. Wholesale customers include a wide and varied range of major national and regional retailers, as well as smaller retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers.

Wholesale sales are recognized in accordance with the shipping terms agreed upon on the purchase order. Wholesale sales are predominantly recognized under FOB origin where title and risk of loss pass to the buyer when the merchandise leaves the Company's distribution facility. However, when the shipping terms are FOB destination, recognition of sales revenue is delayed until completion of delivery to the designated location.