In recent years, many retailers have shut down locations due to inflation and decreased consumer spending. One TikTok user, Sandy (@sandycnv), shared her experience at a local Big Lots advertising a “closing sale” with discounts up to 30% off. However, the actual markdowns inside the store were underwhelming, with most items reduced by only 5% to 10%. Her video, which has garnered over 138,000 views, shows various pet items at 10% off, while personal care products and small appliances are only 5% off.
Sandy’s caption reads, “‘NOTHING held back’ lmao Big Lots be so fr with this 5%,” humorously poking fun at the minimal discounts.
How Do Closing Sales Work?
There’s a strategy behind liquidation sales like the one Sandy encountered. Retailers often start with modest discounts and wait to offer deeper price cuts until inventory from distribution centers is cleared. According to CNBC, retailers gradually increase discounts to move remaining stock, but only after most warehouse supplies have been sold.
Additionally, some items aren’t even discounted in closing sales. Certain vendors have agreements that allow them to buy back their products rather than see them sold at a discount during liquidation.
Viewer Reactions: Disappointment with Big Lots Discounts
Many viewers echoed Sandy’s frustration, noting that the 5% and 10% markdowns didn’t live up to the promise of “up to 30% off” signs. One commenter wrote, “Not 5% at that point. Why, Big Lots? Haha! We have other locations nearby, so maybe they’re sending the stock there.” Another added, “I went in and couldn’t find anything at 20% off. They said it was all gone… on the first day?”
Others expressed frustration with the “up to” marketing tactic. “I hate when they do this. Most things are 10% off, and only the stuff no one wants is 30%. Then, suddenly, it’s 75% off, but it’s all gone,” one viewer commented.
Similar Tactics at Other Retailers
Viewers also noted that other retailers use similar tactics during liquidation sales. Some said they’ve seen prices raised just before the sale, so the final prices aren’t much different. “I worked at a store called Tuesday Morning, and they’d raise prices just before offering a 10% discount. No surprise they’re out of business now,” one commenter shared.
Another former retail worker recalled, “I was a night stocker at a closing Kmart. Stores going out of business always mark stuff up so they can mark it down.”
The phundi has reached out to Sandy and Big Lots for further comment.
