Big Lots tries something new in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio Big Lots has moved in a different direction with the opening of a store in an affluent area of Columbus, Ohio.

Dow Jones reported that the store now occupying a former Linens 'N Things offers similar merchandise to othe Big Lots stores, but is differentiated by better in-store presentations and wider aisles.

"We're offering a higher standard of presentation here," said Tim Johnson, VP strategic planning, in an interview with Dow Jones. "We understand that this is a different type of customer that wants to be communicated with differently."

According to Dow Jones, Big Lots is looking to change its image as a bargain-basement, rummage-sale store, to something a little more sophisticated.