Big Lots: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Big Lots was founded in 1967 in Columbus, Ohio under the name Consolidated Stores. The company rebranded to Big Lots in 2001 and has since grown into a national retail chain known for selling closeout and overstock merchandise at discounted prices. Its product mix spans furniture, food and beverage, home d��cor, electronics, seasonal items, and apparel - sourced largely through closeout deals from manufacturers and other retailers.

The company operated as Big Lots, Inc. and was formerly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BIG. In September 2024, Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A planned acquisition by Nexus Capital Management was court-approved but collapsed before closing. Gordon Brothers Retail Partners completed an asset purchase in January 2025, enabling Variety Wholesalers to reopen approximately 219 stores under the Big Lots name. Variety Wholesalers is headquartered in Henderson, North Carolina.

Big Lots employs workers across its reopened store locations and distribution operations. Positions range from part-time store associates and cashiers to distribution center freight handlers and salaried store managers.

For eligible employees, Big Lots has historically offered a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, an employee merchandise discount, and paid time off. Specific benefit eligibility depends on employment classification and hours worked.

Yes. Big Lots conducts background checks as a standard part of its hiring process for most positions. This applies to store-level roles such as sales associates, cashiers, and department leads, as well as to distribution center positions and corporate staff. The scope and depth of the screening may vary by role, but candidates should expect that a background check will be part of the process after receiving a conditional offer of employment.

Most background checks for retail employers like Big Lots are completed within 3 to 5 business days. However, several factors can extend that timeline:

Candidates can check the status of their screening through the CRA's candidate portal. For more detail on what affects timelines, see background check turnaround times.

A standard pre-employment background check for a retail employer typically includes several components. For Big Lots applicants, the screening may reveal:

The specific combination of searches conducted may vary by role level or location.

The FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information that is more than 7 years old. This means criminal records, civil judgments, and similar records older than seven years are typically not reported. However, there are exceptions: for positions with salaries above a certain threshold (currently $75,000 annually), the 7-year cap may not apply.

Several states impose stricter limits than the federal standard - some cap reporting at 5 or 7 years regardless of salary, and others restrict how certain conviction types can be considered. Applicants in states with "ban-the-box" laws may also have additional protections that limit when an employer can ask about criminal history during the hiring process.

A Big Lots background check misdemeanor result, depending on its age and nature, may or may not be reportable depending on the state where the applicant is applying.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, share, and use consumer information - including background check data. Under the the FCRA and EEOC, candidates have specific rights during the background screening process:

These protections apply regardless of which employer or CRA is involved.

Big Lots may conduct drug testing for certain positions or locations, though the company's policy is not uniformly disclosed publicly. Pre-employment drug screening is more common for roles with safety-sensitive responsibilities, such as distribution center positions involving heavy equipment, and for management-level roles. Drug testing practices for standard retail store associate positions may vary by market.

It is worth noting that many states have enacted laws protecting off-duty marijuana use or limiting employer testing for cannabis. However, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, which creates ongoing tension in how employers handle cannabis in the screening process. Candidates should be aware of their state's specific laws when evaluating what a drug screen may include.

Big Lots does not appear to have a blanket policy that automatically disqualifies applicants with felony records. Like most large retailers, hiring decisions for candidates with criminal histories are typically made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and the responsibilities of the specific role being applied for.

Several states where Big Lots operates have ban-the-box laws, which require employers to delay criminal history inquiries until later in the hiring process - often after a conditional offer has been made. These laws are intended to give applicants with records a fairer opportunity to be evaluated on their qualifications first.

Candidates with prior convictions are generally advised to be honest on applications, as falsifying information is typically grounds for disqualification regardless of the underlying record.

The Big Lots hiring process follows a sequence common to most large retail employers. Background screening occurs near the end, after an offer has been extended:

The background check phase typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Candidates are usually notified of their start date once screening is complete.

Before applying to Big Lots or any other employer, candidates may want to review what their background check is likely to show. Checkr offers Checkr Personal Background Checks that allow individuals to see their own screening results. Running a personal check in advance gives candidates the opportunity to identify and dispute any errors before a prospective employer sees the report.

Candidates can also create a Checkr Profile to share verified background check results directly with employers, which can help speed up the hiring process.

If you applied for a position at Big Lots and your background check is being processed through Checkr, you can monitor the status of your report through the Candidate Portal. The portal shows where your check stands and will notify you when results are available.

If you have questions about your report, need to dispute information, or want to understand your rights, the Checkr Help Center provides resources and support for candidates at every stage of the process.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.