Big Lots Q2 store sales decrease

COLUMBUS, Ohio Big Lots reported second quarter retail sales for the fiscal quarter ended Aug. 1 decreased 2.3% to $1.07 billion, compared to $1.1 billion for second quarter fiscal 2008. Comparable-store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of the fiscal year decreased 2.4% for the second quarter of fiscal 2009.

For the twenty-six week year to date period ended August 1, 2009, retail sales decreased 1.5% to $2.2 billion, compared to $2.23 billion for the same period in fiscal 2008. Comparable-store sales decreased 1.5% for the year-to-date period.