Anyone who knows me knows that I love this store. Though most people look at me and snicker, think I'm weird, and tease me about it, I usually get the last laugh. When I return from my weekly trip with a bag full of great ingredients for delicious meals, desserts, or just pantry staples at a fraction of the cost of even the cheapest grocery stores, I know I've "dun good" with my dollar!
What you've heard is a myth. They don't sell all "expired" stuff. Although they do have their own brands, it's also a closeout store. So, for example, when stores stop carrying certain brands, or a brand changes their logo, stores like Big Lots buy out their stock to resell in their own stores at a discount. You can get all kinds of stuff there for any kind of lifestyle -- from junk food junkie to health aficionado (totally spelled that right the first time ;-)), Big Lots has something for everyone. And with shipments every week, you never know what you're going to find! Here are some of the great finds I've picked up at my local Big Lots... that really fit my lifestyle!
- organic tomato paste ($0.33 per can)
- organic diced tomatoes ($0.80 per can)
- organic veggie broth ($1.50)
- organic chocolate (cherry vanilla... amazing and $1.80 for a bar!)
- Bob's Red Mill 7-grain cereal and bean soup mix
- whole wheat couscous ($2 a box!)
- organic canned beans (pinto, garbanzo, black, $1 a can!)
- Ghirardelli chocolate chips (their semi-sweet chips are vegan)
- Ghirardelli brownie mix (makes a mean pan of black bean brownies!)
- organic granola bars (Nature's Path)
- Kashi cereals
- Clif bars
- light coconut milk
- potato gnocchi ($2 per pack, vs. $4-$5 at a normal store)
- Tom's toothpaste
- REAL Italian pasta
- organic pasta sauce
- organic canned vegetables (green beans, yellow corn)
- organic teas ($2/64 oz.) Green Tea Pomegranate, Peach White Tea)
- Ocean Spray Fruit + Veggie juice ($2.50... it's $4.29 at Publix!)
- Arnold 100-calorie Sandwich Thins ($1.40 for eight! Freeze them and use them for veggie burgers)
- lots of ethnic foods, including dry beans and Asian stir-fry sauces -- chili garlic is one I like to have on hand and it is a cool $1.50!
Big Lots has a lot to offer. They even have furniture, lamps, rugs, hardware and it is THE cheapest place to buy BATTERIES (4 AA batteries for $1.50, it really does not get any cheaper and they have tons), Wii games, dishes, kitchenware, decorations, outdoor stuff, pet supplies... you name it, they probably have it or will have it in time. I try to make it in at least once a week.
I am not a big sandwich eater but they do have a steady supply of bread about a week away from expiration at a DEEP discount - $1.40 - $1.80 per loaf, which is even cheaper than buying them BOGO at Publix. I have stocked up for Ben in the past. Just put the loaves in the freezer and store the loaf you're using in the fridge and it will last for weeks. If I see the sandwich thins though, I will snatch those up quick. They've also had Thomas' Bagels and Bagel Thins.
There is also a great variety of condiments at Big Lots -- many types of mustards, ketchups, chili sauce, hot sauces, relish, dressings, spices/rubs, peppers... it's all there! You really never know what you'll find.
Keep in mind that some Big Lots stores get preferential treatment. Specifically, those stores in a wealthier area of town are actually labeled "flagship" stores, which are generally better stocked and organized. The one closest to my place of work is a flagship store. I prefer this store, but I still love venturing into a non-flagship store just to see what I'll find. It's an adventure every time!
3 comments:
Is there a flagship store near me?
yeah! the one in the Bumby and Colonial plaza next to Old Navy is the flagship store nearest you. Probably 10 minutes away. The one by Aldi on Semoran/Curry Ford (not a flagship) isn't bad, but I haven't been there in a while. :)
Awesome blossom! Thanks!
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