Big Lots CEO says chain will ‘focus’ on specific areas amid changing conditions but not everyone will benefit

THE CEO of Big Lots has revealed the chain’s plans for the future, with the retailer set to focus on rural markets going forward.

As inflation has hit Americans across the country, many are left reeling and unable to pay for basic needs.

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This has also hurt retailers as their brick-and-mortar stores are also struggling with the shift to online shopping.

But Big Lots CEO Bruce Thorn has a plan to move forward as a company despite the odds.

As monthly budgets come under pressure in rural America, Big Lots will add a number of locations in these communities.

“We will increasingly focus on rural and small-town markets, where we know we have the edge with our strong furniture and homewares lineup, while taking a prudent short-term approach to opening stores,” Thorn said, according to the Motley Fool .

Dollar General and Dollar Tree have followed a similar strategy, locating their stores in rural communities where customers are best served.

It’s unclear whether this strategy will pay off, as the company reported a 14.6 percent decline in same-store sales.

MORE STORE CHANGES

Many other retailers have announced upcoming changes that shoppers can expect in the near future.

Walmart introduced a brand new shopping cart design in Mayfield, Kentucky this month, but there has already been controversy over the new look.

Each cart is slightly taller and has space for a cell phone and cup holder for added convenience, Walmart said.

However, feedback from buyers was anything but positive.

“This is really terrible for anyone who has any problems, especially someone who is smaller. “I’m sitting at home now with pain between my shoulder blades and my arm,” another customer shared on the platform.

“Someone definitely didn’t think through the design. It’s the most ridiculous thing that’s ever come out.”

Walmart, Target and Aldi have also added additional self-checkout options, allowing customers to bypass checkout lines and scan their items themselves.

This has also attracted some criticism.

“Seven self-service checkouts and one with a paid Aldi employee at the checkout,” one shopper wrote on Twitter about Aldi’s decision.

“This is unacceptable. Bring cashiers and their jobs back.”

In other positive news, Aldi has updated the design of its website after years of looking relatively dated.

The new website features a more modern, sleek design and allows shoppers to search for products.

You can also order directly on the website.

A bargain retailer is also expanding its branches with new technology.

Walmart shoppers are also rushing to buy a $100 scanner device in stores for just $26.