Big Lots to Celebrate New Merrillville, in Store Grand Opening With a Donation to Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana

Meals-On-Wheels-NWI-New-LogoBig Lots announced today it is celebrating the grand opening of its Merrillville store in its new location on Friday, November 30, 2018. This store will reflect a new format, which is part of a broader initiative to reposition the brand as a community retailer offering trustworthy value and friendly service. As part of the celebration, Big Lots will host a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m. on November 30. The first 50 shoppers entering the store on November 30 and December 1 will receive a reusable shopping bag filled with tasty treats from Big Lots.

In addition, the company will kick off a donation program benefiting Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana, a local charity organization with the mission to deliver nutritious meals to those in need with the support of community volunteers. Big Lots will donate $5 to Meals on Wheels each time a BIG Rewards loyalty member redeems a reward at the Merrillville store over a six-week period (November 30-January 12).

“We are honored to be selected by Big Lots as their charitable partner for the grand re-opening,” said Sandra Noe, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels. “This is a great chance to raise awareness about the meal delivery, wellness check, and volunteer visit Meals on Wheels provides throughout Lake and Porter counties, and engage the community in opportunities to support the mission.”

“We are excited to introduce our new store format to Merrillville,” stated Steve Haffer, senior vice president chief customer officer of Big Lots. “It brings to life our new brand traits and showcases our product assortments of affordable solutions in Furniture, Seasonal, Home, Food, and Consumables. We are also very proud to serve alongside the Merrillville community with our support of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana.”

The new store, located at 3201 E. Lincoln Highway, Merrillville, IN 46410, will be a showcase for the continued roll out of a new store layout and design across all Big Lots stores, both in new builds as well as in redesigns at existing locations. Big Lots will host local dignitaries, representatives from Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana and other community guests at the ribbon cutting.

To learn more about Big Lots or set up an interview with a company representative, please contact Shannan Bunting, (312) 493-0479.

About Big Lots, Inc.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) is a community retailer operating more than 1,400 BIG LOTS stores in 47 states, dedicated to friendly service, trustworthy value, and affordable solutions in every season and category – furniture, food, décor, and more. We exist to serve everyone like family, providing a better shopping experience for our customers, valuing and developing our associates, and creating growth for our shareholders. Big Lots supports the communities it serves through the Big Lots Foundation, a charitable organization focused on four areas of need: hunger, housing, healthcare, and education. For more information about the Company, visit www.biglots.com.

About Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana
With investment of our volunteers and community partners, Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals to seniors, children, and other adults who need nutritional support. Funding for meals is provided by individuals receiving meals, private foundations, grants and donations. More information about Meals on Wheels can be found at www.mownwi.org.