Big Lots 3Q comps up 1.7%

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots reported that sales for the third quarter ended Oct. 29 were $1.1 billion, an increase of 6% compared with $1 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Comparable-store sales increased 1.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. Commenting on sales for the quarter, Steve Fishman, chairman, CEO and president stated, "We were encouraged by the improving trends in most of our major merchandise categories, positive early response to certain of our holiday strategies, and favorable results from our promotional friends and family event during the quarter. From a merchandising perspective, consumables was