Big Lots prepares to open Ann Arbor area store next week
The new Big Lots store in Pittsfield Township is expected to open no later than Aug. 2.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
The store — located in a 28,500-square-foot space in the Waters Place Shopping Center just south of Ann Arbor — will open no later than Aug. 2, said company spokesperson Toni Fink.
Construction at the site was completed as of Friday morning, and crews were stocking the store with merchandise.
“The store could open as soon as (it is) ready, but it will definitely be open by Aug. 2,” Fink said.
A grand opening celebration is then planned for 9 a.m. on Aug. 10, at which Big Lots plans to make a $2,500 donation to Ann Arbor’s Lawton Elementary School.
“For every grand opening we make a donation to our nearest public school neighbor,” Fink said.
She added: “We always kind of consider it as a thank you for welcoming (Big Lots) to the neighborhood. Education is always a No. 1 priority at Big Lots in terms of things we support.”
The company signed a lease for the Waters Place Shopping Center space in April, after a Borders retail store closed in September. It joins Kohl’s, Best Buy and the recently opened Dick’s Sporting Goods in the center.
Big Lots carries a variety of items, including toys, furniture, clothing, food items and electronics, which are purchased wholesale from other retailers and then sold at discounts.
According to the Big Lot’s website, merchandise typically sells for 20 to 40 percent less than discount stores and up to 70 percent below traditional retailers.
There are 1,451 Big Lots stores in the U.S., including 24 in southeastern Michigan. There is one local store on Ellsworth Road in Ypsilanti Township.
Last year, Big Lots became an international retailer when it purchased Canada-based closeout chain Liquidation World, which has 82 stores.
The company reported a 2011 revenue of $5 billion. It was valued at about $2.62 billion based on a Friday stock price of $41.21.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Bill
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
The "soft" opening of the store was this afternoon. I was particularly impressed with how the store staff went out of their way to welcome the shoppers. One of the managers was making a point of going through the aisles and greeting customers. The other clerks and check out staff were equally as friendly and welcoming. I look forward to shopping at this new location.
15crown00
Wed, Aug 1, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
oh boy another junk store
Bill
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
It is interesting to see people refer to Big Lots as a "dollar" store. Big Lots is NOT a dollar store, it carries few items that are priced at a dollar. There are some great deals at big lots on a variety of items. As mentioned, some are remanufacturered and others may be overruns or last years models. Big Lots has a good variety of patio furniture at prices that are considerably lower than those of other stores and with similar, if not better, quality. I've purchased two of the remanufacturered TVs at prices about $100-$150 less than the same item new from another big box store. I would guess this store will be similar to other newer Big Lots that I have seen in others areas which are well stocked and clean. The location in Ypsi is not representative of the typical Big Lots stores where I have shopped.
dexterreader
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
I have found some outstanding deals at the Big Lots on Ellsworth Rd., including a small suitcase for $20 which has done a LOT of traveling in the 5 yrs. since I bought it (and still looks fairly good) and a $20 coffee pot which has lasted longer than ANY Mr. Coffee or similar brand I've ever owned. They often carry items "from the past" that the newer, big box stores no longer carry. I'm looking forward to checking out the new store!
Ann English
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
I'm wondering if the new Big Lots will sell water-resistant watches for $5, like the Ellsworth Road one did. The last time I went to the Ellsworth Road store, I bought a 12-muffin baking pan; I fully expect this new one to sell cooking implements.
anti-thug
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:36 a.m.
is this a sign of the times , an expesive Boards go's out and in-comes a discount store?
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:10 a.m.
Shush, you aren't supposed to notice. Gaze and drool once the big shiny sign goes in on Stadium, you'll blend in better.
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
Yay! A Dollar Store! We know that a dollar store in Ann Arbor, "Tree City", is so much better than a dollar store elsewhere!
whatsupwithMI
Sun, Jul 29, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
For the record, AA has a lot I like. The hypocrisy though can be a lot to swallow. And I'm not afraid to point out local cultural myths and inconsistencies. Want examples? --all you folks holding up big lots dollar stores as a great addition must not have read and commented upon the threads for the giant stadium sign: you know, the thread where highly up-rated comments were those like "oh, those nay-sayers are just Big Lots t-shirt wearers" -a football guy doing similar damage during a Bacchanal as was done to a cop car in Ypsi, and comparing the comments on the two incidents.
zanzerbar
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
@ whatsup "Most of my comments are highly voted upwards" You sure about that.. I'm counting -7.
Brad
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
Except it isn't IN Ann Arbor. AA.com again uses "Ann Arbor area" in the headline to refer to a place that actually already has a name - in this case Pittsfield Twp. If it was *really* an Ann Arbor dollar store everything would cost $10. We are that much better, just ask us.
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:06 a.m.
Most of my comments are highly voted upwards, but you are of course are to feel as free as our blinders let you be.
Polyjuce123
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:32 a.m.
Really? Who said that? But judging by all of your past comments....(on other articles) you really have a dislike for A2. I wonder if we can find a more positive outlet for you?
Janette
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
You never know what you'll find at BigLots.... ;)
A2M3
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
I like the one on Ellsworth, but it i sort of dirty and random. This one ought to be clean and awesome (for a while, anyway)
xmo
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
Nothing like shopping at Big Lots during the current Depression!
jns131
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
Who is up for Big Lots?
ferdcom
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
You're right! When I'm depressed shopping usually cheers me up.
Arieswoman
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:35 p.m.
I am looking forward to this store. The one on Ellsworth is jam packed with boxes in the aisles. Hope this one is cleaner with more aisle space.
Bertha Venation
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
Love BIG LOTS! Of course, you have to carefully examine the merchandise. Some of it is seconds and some appliances are "rebuilds." But for some things, it's great! Why, if it weren't for BIG LOTS!, my Camaro would be just sinking into the fornt yard, instead of up on blocks. Very stylish! :) Now I don't have to Hoveround it to Ypsi.
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
don't worry about the typo, at least you know when NOT to make one word into two. See: "neighbor hood"(incorrect), as opposed to "neighborhood"(correct). I am looking forward to this! LOVE big lots!!
Bertha Venation
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
Sorry. That should be front yard, not fornt yard! (DUH)
jns131
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
I wish something like this would open in Canton. I love the one in Novi. Very clean and too much tempting stuff to buy. Great news if I am on that side of town.
ChrisW
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
Better than an empty building.
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:08 a.m.
yay! cheep MJ from a fake prescription from a fake doc! I found his sign on a street corner! (that help you out there, PJ?)
Polyjuce123
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
@whatsupwithMI I'm sure you could find something in the store that could keep you busy enough to stop bashing on AA.com! :)
whatsupwithMI
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
Besides, the service workers need something to take home on the bus.
Thomas Jones
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
There goes the neighbor hood!
Madeleine Borthwick
Mon, Jul 30, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
if. you. don't. like. it. MOVE. any questions?!
J. A. Pieper
Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 2:01 a.m.
Maybe if someone complaining would leave the neighborhood...
Subroutine
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
Neighborhood is one word genius. Maybe you look down on those of us who like to shop at discount stores like Big Lots, but at least I can spell.