Big Lots 3rd-quarter Same-store Sales Up 0.7%

TEL AVIV -- Big Lots Inc., the Columbus, Ohio, closeout retailer, reported that for the third quarter ended Oct. 30, same-store sales -- those open for at least two years at the beginning of the fiscal year -- rose 0.7%. Total sales rose 2.4% to $1.04 billion. Sales were solid in the first half of the quarter and turned volatile and inconsistent in late September through October, Chief Executive Steve Fishman said in a Thursday statement. He said he was encouraged by sales of seasonal items and holiday toys, which are key to the company's fourth-quarter holiday plans.