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Return & exchange policies

Big Lots Return Policy: 30 Days With Receipt, 14 Days for Furniture

By ReturnClerk · Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source · next review Dec 15, 2026 · Report a change

Quick answer

30days

with a receipt for most items

Big Lots is open again: it is now owned by Variety Wholesalers and has reopened 200+ stores 1. Most items can be returned within 30 days with a receipt, and a receipt is required for every return 1. Furniture has a shorter 14-day window, mattress sales are final, and refunds go back to your original form of payment 1.

Standard return window
30 days1
Furniture
14 days1original condition, with a receipt
Receipt
Required for all returns1
Mattresses
All sales final1
Refund method
Original form of payment with a valid receipt1
Where to return
In store only (Big Lots currently sells in store only)1
On this page

Big Lots closed many stores before being taken over by a new owner, so a lot of shoppers aren't sure whether returns are even possible. They are. Here is the current policy from the reopened Big Lots website, in plain English.

Is Big Lots still open?

Yes. Big Lots says it is now owned by Variety Wholesalers and is reopening stores across the country; 200+ locations have already reopened, with more planned 1. Not every former store is back, so use the store locator to find the closest open location and its hours 1.

Big Lots currently offers in-store shopping only 1, so returns are a store matter too: bring the item and your receipt to an open store.

How long do you have to return items?

Most items can be returned within 30 days with a receipt 1. Furniture is the main exception, with a shorter 14-day window, and it must be in original condition 1.

  • Most items: 30 days with a receipt 1
  • Furniture: 14 days, original condition, with a receipt 1
  • Mattresses: all sales final 1

Do you need a receipt?

Yes, always. Big Lots says a receipt is required for all returns 1. Its FAQ doesn't describe any no-receipt option, so keep your receipt for at least as long as the return window lasts.

What can't be returned to Big Lots?

Big Lots lists these items as non-returnable 1:

  • Bras
  • Panties
  • Swimsuits
  • Prepaid phone cards
  • Gift cards

A few categories have their own rules. Sleepwear may be returned 1, but underwear must be unopened to be eligible 1. Opened books, music and video items can't be refunded, though you can exchange them for the same title 1.

What condition does the item need to be in?

Items that are worn, used, mistreated or soiled are not eligible for return or exchange 1. Even when an item meets the basic rules, Big Lots reviews returns case by case and may decline ones that don't meet its guidelines 1.

How do refunds work?

With a valid receipt, refunds are issued in the original form of payment 1. If you paid by card, the money goes back to that card; if you paid cash, expect cash.

Furniture delivery problems

Many stores arrange third-party delivery for in-store purchases 1. For any delivery-related questions or concerns, Big Lots asks you to contact the delivery provider directly 1. For other questions, the Big Lots customer care team can be reached at  1.

Protection plans

Big Lots offers protection plans on select items through a third-party provider, Mulberry 1. A protection plan is separate from the return policy, so check its own terms if a product fails after the return window closes.

Quick tips

  • Check the store locator before you drive over, because not every location has reopened 1.
  • Inspect furniture right away: you have only 14 days to return it 1.
  • Think twice before buying a mattress you haven't tried, since mattress sales are final 1.
  • Keep receipts – no receipt means no return 1.

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Lots still open?

Yes. Big Lots says it is now owned by Variety Wholesalers and is reopening stores across the country, with 200+ locations already reopened 1. Availability varies, so check the store locator for the nearest open store 1.

Can I return something to Big Lots without a receipt?

No. Big Lots says a receipt is required for all returns 1.

How long do I have to return furniture to Big Lots?

Furniture must come back within 14 days, in original condition, with a receipt 1. Mattresses can't be returned at all, because all mattress sales are final 1.

Can I return an opened book, DVD or music item?

Not for a refund. Opened books, music and video items can only be exchanged for the same title 1.

Who do I contact about a Big Lots furniture delivery problem?

Delivery is handled by a third-party provider, and Big Lots asks you to contact that delivery provider directly about delivery questions or concerns 1.

Sources

  1. 1FAQ – Returns & ExchangesBig Lots!, text captured Oct 31, 2026

Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source. Next review Dec 15, 2026.

ReturnClerk is not affiliated with Big Lots. Policies change and individual stores may apply them differently, so confirm with the retailer before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us or read how we verify.