Exhibit 99.1 - Earnings Release Q1'12

Columbus, Ohio - May 23, 2012 - Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) today reported income from continuing operations of $40.8 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended April 28, 2012. As previously disclosed in our March 2, 2012 press release, we incurred an after-tax charge of $3.4 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, during the first quarter related to an inventory accounting change associated with the successful implementation of new retail inventory systems. Excluding this non-recurring, non-cash charge, adjusted income from continuing operations totaled $44.2 million, or $0.68 per diluted share (non-GAAP), for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. This compares to income from continuing operations of $52.5 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.



	EPS from Continuing Operations

	Q1 '12⁽¹⁾			Q1 '11 ⁽²⁾

U.S. Operations	$	0.72		$	0.70

Add back: Inventory charge	$	0.05		$	—

U.S. Operations - adjusted basis	$	0.77		$	0.70

Canadian Operations ⁽³⁾	$	(0.09	)	$	—

Consolidated - adjusted basis	$	0.68		$	0.70

(1) Non-GAAP
(2) GAAP
(3) Canadian operations were acquired on July 18, 2011. Based on materiality, we have not provided pro-forma fiscal 2011 results.

Net sales for U.S. operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 increased 2.8% to $1,262.2 million, compared to $1,227.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2011. Comparable store sales for U.S. stores open at least fifteen months decreased 0.8% for the quarter. Adjusted income from continuing U.S. operations totaled $0.77 per diluted share (non-GAAP) compared to income from continuing operations of $0.70 per diluted share for the same period of fiscal 2011.

Net sales for Canadian operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 totaled $32.2 million, while incurring a net loss of $6.1 million, or $0.09 per diluted share (non-GAAP). We acquired our Canadian operations on July 18, 2011. Based on materiality to our total operations, we are not required to and have not provided pro-forma information for Canadian operations.

We ended the first quarter of fiscal 2012 with $83 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents and no borrowings under our credit facility compared to $284 million of Cash and Cash Equivalents and no borrowings under our credit facility as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Our net use of cash and debt during the last twelve months was focused on share repurchase activity, acquiring and funding our Canadian operations, and repaying borrowings under our credit facility offset by positive cash flow (defined as operating activities less investing activities) generated by our U.S. business.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we invested $99 million to repurchase 2.5 million of our shares at an average price of $39.32 per share. This activity exhausted our 2011 share repurchase program which resulted in a total investment of $400 million to repurchase 11.7 million shares at an average share price of $34.11 per share.

On May 22, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program (“2012 share repurchase program”) providing for the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common shares. The $200 million authorization is expected to be utilized to repurchase shares in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. Common shares acquired through the repurchase program will be available to meet obligations under equity compensation plans and for general corporate purposes. The 2012 share repurchase program is eligible to begin on May 25, 2012 and will continue until exhausted.

Based on first quarter operating results and our expectations for the second fiscal quarter, we now estimate our fiscal 2012 consolidated adjusted income from continuing operations to be in the range of $3.25 to $3.40 per diluted share (non-GAAP), compared to our prior guidance of $3.40 to $3.50 per diluted share (non-GAAP). We have revised our Cash Flow guidance to $190 million compared to our prior guidance of $200 million.

We now estimate adjusted income from U.S. operations will be in the range of $3.50 to $3.60 per diluted share (non-GAAP), compared to our prior guidance of $3.63 to $3.73 per diluted share (non-GAAP). This is based on U.S. comparable store sales in the range of flat to a 1% increase and a total U.S. sales increase in the range of 5.5% to 6.5%.




EPS from Continuing Operations (non-GAAP)	Full Year		Q2

	2012 Guidance	2011	2012 Guidance	2011

U.S. Operations	$3.45 - $3.55	$3.18	$0.44 - $0.49	$0.52

Add back: Inventory charge	$0.05	—	—	—

U.S. Operations - adjusted basis	$3.50 - $3.60	$3.18	$0.44 - $0.49	$0.52

Canadian Operations ⁽¹⁾	$(0.23) - $(0.26)	$(0.19)	$(0.07) - $(0.10)	$(0.02)

Consolidated - adjusted basis	$3.25 - $3.40	$2.99⁽²⁾	$0.37 - $0.42	$0.50⁽²⁾

(1) Canadian operations were acquired on July 18, 2011. Based on materiality, we have not provided pro-forma fiscal 2011 results.
(2) All results presented above are on a non-GAAP basis with the exception of Full Year 2011 and Q2 2011 Consolidated EPS.

If you are unable to join the live webcast, an archive of the call will be available through the Investor Relations section of our website (www.biglots.com) beginning two hours after the call ends and will remain available through midnight on Wednesday, June 6. A replay of the call will be available beginning today at 12:00 noon through June 6 at midnight by dialing: 1.888.203.1112 (United States and Canada) or 1.719.457.0820 (International). The Replay Confirmation Code is 1866714. All times are Eastern Time.

Big Lots is North America's largest broadline closeout retailer. As of May 23, 2012, we operated 1,459 BIG LOTS stores in the 48 contiguous United States and 82 LIQUIDATION WORLD and LW stores in Canada. Wholesale operations are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and with online sales at www.biglotswholesale.com.

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and such statements are intended to qualify for the protection of the safe harbor provided by the Act. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “target,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, descriptions of our objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to the expectations of management as to future occurrences and trends, including statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results or events and projected sales, earnings, capital expenditures and business strategy. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management's then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. Although we believe the expectations expressed in forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge, forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, any one or a combination of which could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Forward-looking statements that we make herein and in other reports and releases are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the current economic and credit crisis, the cost of goods, our inability to successfully execute strategic initiatives, competitive pressures, economic pressures on our customers and us, the availability of brand name closeout merchandise, trade restrictions, freight costs, the risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other factors discussed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC, including Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. This release should be read in conjunction with such filings, and you should consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our public announcements and SEC filings.




BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

		APRIL 28		APRIL 30
		2012		2011
		(Unaudited)		(Unaudited)

	ASSETS

Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	82,571	$	283,895
	Inventories	847,655		784,865
	Deferred income taxes	45,997		51,136
	Other current assets	68,646		63,206
	Total current assets	1,044,869		1,183,102

Property and equipment - net		569,146		521,925

Deferred income taxes		3,402		10,786
Goodwill		15,030		0
Other assets		44,358		42,009
		$	1,676,805	$	1,757,822

	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	433,505	$	372,425
	Property, payroll and other taxes	79,106		79,845
	Accrued operating expenses	100,327		60,270
	Insurance reserves	35,441		37,848
	KB bankruptcy lease obligation	3,069		3,452
	Accrued salaries and wages	25,307		24,222
	Income taxes payable	19,303		32,792
	Total current liabilities	696,058		610,854

Long-term obligations under bank credit facility		—		—

Deferred rent		62,016		44,924
Insurance reserves		50,811		47,077
Unrecognized tax benefits		17,274		18,221
Other liabilities		41,219		29,930

Shareholders' equity		809,427		1,006,816
		$	1,676,805	$	1,757,822




BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

		13 WEEKS ENDED					13 WEEKS ENDED
		APRIL 28, 2012					APRIL 30, 2011
					%					%
		(Unaudited)					(Unaudited)

Net sales		$	1,294,481		100.0		$	1,227,274		100.0
	Gross margin	512,449			39.6		494,129			40.3
	Selling and administrative expenses	418,319			32.3		387,167			31.5
	Depreciation expense	25,288			2.0		20,664			1.7
Operating profit		68,842			5.3		86,298			7.0
	Interest expense	(336		)	(0.0	)	(501		)	(0.0	)
	Other income (expense)	37			0.0		112			0.0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		68,543			5.3		85,909			7.0
	Income tax expense	27,763			2.1		33,378			2.7
Income from continuing operations		40,780			3.2		52,531			4.3
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax benefit of $22 and $40, respectively	(34		)	(0.0	)	(60		)	(0.0	)
Net income		$	40,746		3.1		$	52,471		4.3

Earnings per common share - basic (a)
	Continuing operations	$	0.64				$	0.71
	Discontinued operations	0.00					0.00
	Net income	$	0.64				$	0.71

Earnings per common share - diluted (a)
	Continuing operations	$	0.63				$	0.70
	Discontinued operations	0.00					0.00
	Net income	$	0.63				$	0.70

Weighted average common shares outstanding
	Basic	64,119					74,047
	Dilutive effect of share-based awards	1,046					1,219
	Diluted	65,165					75,266

(a)	The earnings per share for Continuing Operations, Discontinued Operations and Net Income are separately calculated in accordance with accounting pronouncements; therefore, the sum of earnings per share for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations may differ, due to rounding, from the calculated earnings per share of Net Income.




BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SEGMENT OPERATING PERFORMANCE
(In thousands, except per share data)

		13 WEEKS ENDED
		APRIL 28, 2012 (a)
		U.S.			Canada			Consolidated
		(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

Net sales		$	1,262,235		$	32,246		$	1,294,481
	Gross margin	500,945			11,504			512,449
	Selling and administrative expenses	401,526			16,793			418,319
	Depreciation expense	24,424			864			25,288
Operating profit (loss)		74,995			(6,153		)	68,842
	Interest expense	(336		)	0			(336		)
	Other income (expense)	0			37			37
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		74,659			(6,116		)	68,543
	Income tax expense	27,763			0			27,763
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	46,896		$	(6,116	)	$	40,780
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations (b)		$	0.72		$	(0.09	)	$	0.63

(a)	The consolidated results of operations are comprised of the U.S. and Canadian operating segments. Prior year results are not presented as we operated only one segment during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
(b)	The diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by segment are separately calculated; therefore, the sum of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by segment may differ, due to rounding, from the calculated consolidated diluted earnings per share from continuing operations. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by segment is a “non-GAAP financial measure,” as that term is defined by Rule 101 of Regulation G (17 CFR Part 244) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR Part 229), which our management believes is useful information to investors.





BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)


		13 WEEKS ENDED			13 WEEKS ENDED
		APRIL 28, 2012			APRIL 30, 2011
		(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)

	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	125,582		$	125,545

	Net cash used in investing activities	(17,989		)	(19,099		)

	Net cash used in financing activities	(93,648		)	(90		)

	Impact of foreign currency on cash	79			0

Increase in cash and cash equivalents		14,024			106,356
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Beginning of period	68,547			177,539
	End of period	$	82,571		$	283,895

The following table reconciles gross margin, gross margin rate, operating profit, operating profit rate, income tax expense, effective income tax rate, income from continuing operations, net income, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2012 for our consolidated and U.S. segment results (GAAP financial measures) to adjusted gross margin, adjusted gross margin rate, adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating profit rate, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted effective income tax rate, adjusted income from continuing operations, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP financial measures).



First quarter of 2012 - Thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012

Consolidated Results
	As reported			Adjustment to exclude change in inventory accounting principle			As Adjusted (non-GAAP)
Gross margin	$	512,449		$	5,574		$	518,023
Gross margin rate	39.6		%	0.4		%	40.0		%
Operating profit	$	68,842		5,574			74,416
Operating profit rate	5.3		%	0.4		%	5.7		%
Income tax expense	$	27,763		2,186			29,949
Effective income tax rate	40.5		%	(0.1		)%	40.4		%
Income from continuing operations	$	40,780		3,388			44,168
Net income	$	40,746		3,388			44,134
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.63		$	0.05		$	0.68
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.63		$	0.05		$	0.68

U.S. Segment Results
	As reported			Adjustment to exclude change in inventory accounting principle			As Adjusted (non-GAAP)
Gross margin	$	500,945		$	5,574		$	506,519
Gross margin rate	39.7		%	0.4		%	40.1		%
Operating profit	$	74,995		5,574			80,569
Operating profit rate	5.9		%	0.5		%	6.4		%
Income tax expense	$	27,763		2,186			29,949
Effective income tax rate	37.2		%	0.1		%	37.3		%
Income from continuing operations	$	46,896		3,388			50,284
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.72		$	0.05		$	0.77

The adjusted gross margin, adjusted gross margin rate, adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating profit rate, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted effective income tax rate, adjusted income from continuing operations, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings per share are “non-GAAP financial measures” as that term is defined by Rule 101 of Regulation G (17 CFR Part 244) and Item 10 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR Part 229). These non-GAAP financial measures exclude from the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) a pretax charge for a change in an accounting estimate inseparable from a change in accounting principle associated with our implementation of new inventory management information systems of $5,574 ($3,388, net of tax).

Our management believes that the disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors because the non-GAAP financial measures present an alternative and appropriate method for measuring our operating performance, excluding certain items included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, along with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, in evaluating our operating performance.



PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE			Contact: Timothy A. Johnson
			Senior Vice President - Finance
			614-278-6622



	Shareholder Relations Department
	300 Phillipi Road
	Columbus, OH 43228-5311
	Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666
	E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com



	Shareholder Relations Department
	300 Phillipi Road
	Columbus, OH 43228-5311
	Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666
	E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com



	Shareholder Relations Department
	300 Phillipi Road
	Columbus, OH 43228-5311
	Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666
	E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com



	Shareholder Relations Department
	300 Phillipi Road
	Columbus, OH 43228-5311
	Phone: (614) 278-6622 Fax: (614) 278-6666
	E-mail: aschmidt@biglots.com


•	Adjusted income from continuing operations of $0.68 per diluted share (non-GAAP) versus income from continuing operations of $0.70 per diluted share last year


•	Generated $108 million of Cash Flow (defined as operating activities less investing activities)


•	Invested $99 million to repurchase 2.5 million shares and completed our 2011 $400 million share repurchase program by repurchasing 11.7 million shares, or 16% of our outstanding shares, at an average price per share of $34.11


•	Provides initial Q2 guidance for income from continuing operations of $0.37 to $0.42 per diluted share versus income from continuing operations of $0.50 per diluted share for the same period last year


•	Provides initial Q2 guidance for U.S. comparable store sales in a range of slightly positive to slightly negative


•	Updates fiscal 2012 annual guidance for adjusted income from continuing operations to $3.25 to $3.40 per diluted share (non-GAAP) versus income from continuing operations of $2.99 per diluted share for fiscal 2011


•	Updates fiscal 2012 U.S. comparable stores sales estimates to be in a range of flat to 1% increase