Big Lots Opens $70 Million Distribution Center Nation's Largest Broadline Closeout Retailer Adds Durant Facility to Keep Pace with Growing Business Center to Create 250 Jobs in 2004 DURANT, Okla., June 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today Big Lots, the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, held a grand opening ceremony for the company's new $70 million, 1.2 million sq. ft. distribution center in Bryan County, Durant, Oklahoma. The center, which is the largest one-time investment in the history of the City of Durant, has created 250 jobs and is the fifth Big Lots distribution center, which collectively service over 1,400 stores across the country. At full capacity the facility could provide as many as 500 jobs to the community. Leading the celebration was Big Lots Chairman and CEO Michael Potter. "We found Durant provided the best opportunity for maximum economic efficiencies as well as providing a large base of committed, hard working, and dedicated people," Potter noted. "This facility is a solid addition to our supply chain initiative and has the capacity to accommodate future growth." The 125-acre site was chosen after a rigorous search that included evaluating more than 12 locations throughout several states. Working closely with leaders in the Durant community, Big Lots completed the entire project in 18 months. In addition to opening the new distribution center, Big Lots opened a new 37,000 sq. ft. store at 2418 West Main Street, joining 22 other Big Lots stores already in Oklahoma. "The opening of the Big Lots distribution center signals a new beginning for Durant and Bryan County," said State Senator (District 6) Jay Paul Gumm. "It is proof that our community is committed to a brighter future for ourselves and that this area will continue to be the strongest rural economy in America." Local officials echoed similar sentiments. "A great deal of time and effort by 'Team Durant' has gone into this new addition to our growing economic climate and business community," said Durant Mayor Jerry Tomlinson. "We are excited to be a part of Big Lots' growth and expansion, and have already witnessed what a great corporate citizen they are." "Big Lots is a welcomed addition to our community where we continue to work hard in raising awareness about our city and recruit quality employers for continued and significant growth," said Tommy Kramer, Durant's economic development director. "We are pleased to welcome their closeout retail concept which to date has been very well received." Enthusiastic associates sounded forklift horns on the loading dock where guests and dignitaries joined Big Lots executives for a demonstration of the facility's newest technology. The Durant distribution center is expected to become the most efficient of Big Lots' five distribution centers, based largely on the installation of a state-of-the-art sortation conveyor system, which operates at a rate of 630-feet-per-minute. The system is the fastest of its kind ever used for a carton sortation operation with 40 shipping lanes processing 16,000 cartons per hour. The distribution center will initially service 125 Big Lots stores in the southwestern United States including Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of New Mexico and Colorado. At its maximum capacity, it will be able to accommodate as many as 350 to 400 stores as the company continues to expand. Big Lots, Inc. (http://www.biglots.com/) is the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer with annual revenues exceeding $4 billion. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots operates more than 1,400 retail stores serving 46 states. Five regional distribution centers throughout the country, ranging in size from 1 million to 3 million square feet, provide the company's stores with brand name products from more than 3,000 manufacturers. Big Lots offers merchandise on average at 20 to 40 percent below most discount retailers and up to 70 percent below conventional retailers. Founded in 1967, the company employs more than 45,000 associates across the U.S. By creating excitement with brand-name closeouts and bargains through a unique shopping experience, Big Lots meets the needs of customers by providing an assortment of merchandise including consumables, seasonal products, furniture and home, housewares, toys, and gifts. Big Lots, a Fortune 500 company, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BLI. DATASOURCE: Big Lots, Inc. CONTACT: Keri Lucas, Director of Public Relations of Big Lots, +1-614-278-7023 (w), +1-614-296-7667 (m), ; or Greg Connel of Fleishman-Hillard, +1-216-536-0803 (m), 1-800-490-2939 (pgr), Web site: http://www.biglots.com/

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