Established in 1985, Big Lots Stores Inc. is one of the leading closeout retailers offering a number of items for the customers. Based in Durham, N.C., it offers an assortment of merchandise, including consumables, seasonal products, electronics, furniture, house ware, toys and gifts. The departmental store operates more than 1,400 retail outlets across 48 states in the nation. It also sells commodities through its wholesale operations, which are conducted through Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated International and Wisconsin Toy. Big Lots Stores Inc. furniture category is one of the largest furniture retailers in the nation with departments in more than 1,100 of its stores.