Big Lots started raising their prices a few years ago, making it pointless to shop there anymore. I was a frequent customer, but the last few visits I make to their store convinced me that there was no value in shopping there if I wanted better prices. Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree have all recently raised there prices too. Outside of a few select items, those stores are actually more expensive than department stores and large grocery stores. In the case of Dollar General, they've already destroyed nearly every rural, mom & pop store, so they can gouge away with impunity. I have alternatives, but people out in the sticks are paying the price and DG is usually the only option.