Big Lots puts final touches on new home
By J.D. Walker
Staff Writer, The Courier-Tribune
ASHEBORO - Workers are putting the final touches on the new home for
a popular retailer in Asheboro.
The long anticipated move of Big Lots from Hammer Village Shopping Center
to Village Marketplace Shopping Center is under way. A tentative opening
date is set for Nov. 26 with grand opening celebrations planned for Dec.
3.
Both shopping centers are on East Dixie Drive. However, the new location
for Big Lots increases the retailer's size by at least 50 percent and adds
one more big name anchor to a local complex.
Carolyn Wood, Big Lots general manager, said the new location at 1432
E. Dixie Drive, in the old Harris Teeter building, has 21,937 square feet
of sales floor plus another 9,000 square feet of storage space. That compares
to less than 20,000 square feet for the entire store at 831 E. Dixie Drive.
Wood estimated this store will be among the biggest Big Lots in North
Carolina.
She said strong sales and a need to modernize are the reasons behind
the decision by Big Lots corporate headquarters to move the store. Wood
credits a long-serving, experienced sales staff for her unit's strong sales
performance.
"This move has been made possible by the crew," she said. "It's
not a reflection on me."
Wood said another big factor in the expansion and move is the support
Big Lots enjoys in the community. She said many of her customers are like
family whom she sees every week.
The new location will feature lots more of what customers have come to
expect at Big Lots.
Wood said all departments, from food to housewares, will offer expanded
selections.
Another new feature will be the furniture department. Wood said furniture
will take up 3,000 square feet of sales floor space. Shoppers will find
bedroom, living room and dining room furniture plus accessory items.
Big Lots has a 90-day payment option in its furniture department that
allows customers an extended period of time to pay for purchases.
Seasonal merchandise will occupy a highly visible space in the middle
aisle of the store for customer convenience, said Wood.
A closing date for the old store has not been set, said Wood. However,
all merchandise is expected to be sold out there. None will be moved to
the new location. "We're all brand new here, right down to the cash
register."
Copyright 2002, Stephens Media Group
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