Big Lots reports 3Q sales growth

COLUMBUS, Ohio Big Lots is reporting third quarter retail sales for the fiscal quarter ended Oct. 30 of $1.04 billion, an increase of 2.4% compared with $1.02 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Comparable-store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of the fiscal year increased 0.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Commenting on sales for the quarter, Steve Fishman, chairman, CEO and president stated, "While sales results were solid during the first half of the quarter, we began to experience more volatile and inconsistent sales trends in late September lasting through October.  Our customers were very selective but were still willing to spend money where they saw tremendous values as evidenced by the continued strength in certain of our higher ticket, discretionary categories."

Fishman continued, "From a merchandising perspective, furniture and home continued to be leading categories in our store, with furniture in particular comping up in the low double digits.  We were also encouraged by high-single digit comps in our seasonal category and early performance of our holiday toy business as each of these strategies are critical components of our fourth quarter holiday plans."