Bargain hunting is great, but it can be challenging because of the time and gas it takes to find a really great deal. Is there such a place where discounts are offered on a variety of products? Yes, and it is our local Big Lots store.
Located on Oakland Avenue, about four and a half miles from campus, a surplus of closeout bargains can be found.
Big Lots houses everything from discounted cookware to furniture to scrapbooking stuff.
Not the most organized of large retail stores; it does take time to navigate through the aisles.
Coincidentally, that is exactly what makes shopping at Big Lots so unique. It is almost impossible for a shopper to come into the store with a list because there is no guarantee that those items will be there.
Since the store carries overstock and closeout items from manufacturers, more than likely a shopper will never see the same thing twice.
As I searched around Big Lots last week I tried to look for practical things that college students need, but don’t like to spend a lot of money on.
For example, they have cookware of all assortments, pots, pans, skillets, etc., for $6 and up. Light bulbs, another practical item, are available in a six-pack for only $1.30. Big Lots also has several car cleaning products, as well as discounted paper and plastic items such as tissue paper, paper towels, storage bags, Styrofoam plates, etc.
Big Lots also has great inexpensive items that will make any bedroom, apartment or dorm feel homey. I found some really cute/tasteful framed artwork ranging from $5-$10, definitely much cheaper than Kirklands.
Also, baskets are a neat way to make organization and storage more decorative. Big lots had an entire aisle of baskets in every different shape, size and color from $3-$20.
Another aisle held an assortment of colorful, springy, dishwasher-safe cups, plates and bowls for $2 and up.
What also makes Big Lots such a great store is the discount snack food. I bought some Special K cereal for $2, a bag of Sweet and Salty Chex Mix for $1.99, and a pack of Little Debbie’s Nutty Bars for $1.00.
For those of you that like to Propel fitness water, they had bottles for 60 cents each.
More items to mention are toys, especially great for the last minute birthday gift. They have everything from Dora The Explorer to Matchbox Cars for the boys.
There are also some fun outdoor games for kids, which would be great for family get-togethers or baby-sitting jobs.
Other outdoor products can be found at Big Lots, too. Beach umbrellas and other pool supplies consume an entire aisle. Also, for the nature enthusiast, the store has a two person tent for only $20, not bad right?
I hope the next time ETSU shoppers find themselves over on North Roan Street, they will take a few minutes to look through Big Lots. Happy bargain hunting.

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