Big Lots doesn't just buy out stock from stores that ordered too much of one thing or the wrong thing. In addition, because it's a liquidation store, the grocery section will be full of reduced-price items that are still good, but may be very close to their expiration dates (via Clark). Cosmetics also may be about to expire. Its shelves will also feature items that may not be close to expiring, but are only meant to be sold at a specific time of the year, think Christmas cookies in July or pumpkin spice in spring.  

As Home Hacks points out, because Big Lots buys their overstocks in larger quantities — or big lots, if you will — they aren't likely to have tight quality control over whatever they're bringing into the store. This means you could up paying for defective items — or you could end up with a piece of designer furniture for a fraction of the cost. But, as any bargain hunter will tell you, ferreting out the good stuff is half the fun, right?