History of Big Lots

Big Lots traces its origins back to 1967 when Sol Shenk started “Odd Lots” in Columbus, Ohio. Consolidated Stores Corp opened up the first in a series of stores like Big Lots under the name of Odd Lots. Finally, in 1985 Consolidated Corp started trading on the American Stock Exchange with their first store that they had named Big Lots. Today Big Lots, Inc. is a Fortune 500 retail corporation with annual revenues well over $4 billion. The focus of this retail store is to sell closeout and overstock merchandise.

What you find in the store today maybe gone tomorrow. They give you the best prices ever but may not be able to keep the same merchandise nor can they replenish the same stock.   A typical Big Lots sells a wide variety of merchandise from toys, furniture, clothing, house wares, and small electronics. The merchandise being brought in as it is purchased by a purchasing agent who finds good deals on overstock or closeout items.

Hours of Operation:   Mon-Sat: 8:00am-9:00pm; Sun 9:00am-7:00pm

Minimum Age to Work Here:   16 years old

Positions Available:   Store Manager, District Manager, File Clerk, Material Handler, Maintenance Technician, Loss Prevention Officer, Distribution Center Supervisor, Operations Manager, Production Manager, Director of Operations, Customer Care Specialist, Cashier, Sales Associate, Stocker, Associate Manager, Furniture Sales Manager, Assistant Store Manager

Background Check Required?  Yes

Negotiation:   Salary rate is set.   There is no room for negotiation.

Job Description/ Average Wage

Customer Service Specialist: This person helps customers finds merchandise, approves returns, or issues refunds on merchandise that might be defective. They also help maintain a warm friendly atmosphere for the customers. Often they are required to explain the type of store that they are because customers return for more of the same item and find that it is gone. The average wage is $9.05 an hour.

Cashier: The cashier is the one who helps take the items that the customer wishes to buy and charges them for their merchandise. They bag the merchandise if possible or call for someone in the department to help them load the goods in their vehicles. The cashier must make sure that their cash drawer is kept in balance and that their area is kept clean. The average wage for a starting cashier is $8.00 an hour.

Associate Manager: This person is in charge of their department and the employees that work in that department. They must make sure that the employees know what their job assignments are for that shift and what is expected of them. Often new merchandise arrives and must be taken out of the stock room and placed on the floor. The goods must be priced and arranged so that the customer can easily see what is available. The associate manager normal wage is $10.12 an hour.

Benefits

Healthcare, retirement planning, and income protection is part of your work-life balance. Big Lots knows that these things are essential in your life and they strive to provide you with good benefits. You will receive a Benefits package when you become an employee that will explain how each of these programs is met.

Atmosphere and Perks

Big Lots offers a perfect employment opportunity for individuals who are career oriented and those who are looking for a great start of their career. Employees will have chances for fast-paced and fun filled workplace. Big Lots workers will receive several job perks like outstanding pay scales, flexible work schedules, and paid training programs. Big Lots employment benefit packages future planning perks include 401(k) retirement plans, educational assistance, and employee assistance programs, insurance coverage options; healthcare coverage consists of medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans; paid time off, including paid vacation, holiday pay, discounts on merchandise and services and sick leave and relocation assistance when necessary.

Interview Questions

State your reasons why you want to work at Big Lots?

Is your schedule flexible? Can you work on weekends?

Describe your experience in a sales environment?

How do you define customer service?

Will you be able to exceed your manager’s expectations? How?

Have you encountered some customer care problems? How did you handle them?

What would you do if a customer asked you for a discount?

Why should Big Lots hire you?

What do you think are your skills which will put you to the advantage point over other applicants?

What kind of person are you?

Interview Tips

Be prepared for a job interview within two weeks after you have submitted your employment documents. Usual interview questions are about work history, availability, job skills, and retail experience and other questions designed to gauge your personality. You will be able to impress the interviewer with your presentable attire and positive personality. Thus, maintain consistent eye contact, and show a professional manner during the interview question.

How to Apply

In order to apply for one of these positions and many others that are available you should visit your local Big Lots, Inc. or go to their website:
http://www.biglots.com/careers

>> Download Big Lots Job Application