Ever found the perfect coupon for your favorite brand, only to wonder if you can use it at Big Lots? You’re not alone—many shoppers are eager to stretch their budget with manufacturer coupons at their go-to discount retailer.
Knowing whether Big Lots accepts these coupons can make a real difference in your savings strategy. In this article, we’ll give you a clear answer, explain the store’s coupon policy, and share tips to help you maximize your savings every time you shop.
Does Big Lots Accept Manufacturer Coupons? A Complete Guide
When you’re on the hunt for great deals, knowing how to maximize savings with coupons is essential. Big Lots is known for its budget-friendly prices and frequent promotions, but if you’re wondering whether manufacturer coupons can help you save even more, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what you need to know about using coupons at Big Lots, how their coupon system works, and how you can make the most of every shopping trip.
The Direct Answer: Manufacturer Coupons and Big Lots
Big Lots does not accept manufacturer coupons.
While many major grocery chains and retailers welcome manufacturer coupons from brands, Big Lots has a specific policy in place. The store only accepts its own in-house coupons, digital promotions, email offers, and special discounts for members of their rewards program. Manufacturer-issued coupons—those you find in newspapers, magazines, or directly from brands—cannot be redeemed in Big Lots stores or online.
What Are Manufacturer Coupons?
- Issued by Brands: These coupons come from the manufacturer of a product (like Kellogg’s, Tide, or Colgate) rather than from the store.
- Redeemable at Participating Retailers: Many large retailers accept them and get reimbursed by the brand for the discount.
- Paper and Digital Formats: You might find these in Sunday newspapers, coupon apps, or brand websites.
Why Doesn’t Big Lots Accept Them?
Big Lots’ buying and distribution model is different from typical supermarkets. As a closeout retailer, they purchase surplus, discontinued, or overstocked items, sometimes in packaging not intended for coupon promotions. This unique inventory and the nature of their deals mean manufacturer coupon redemption is not part of their operating structure.
How You Can Still Save at Big Lots
Just because manufacturer coupons are off the table doesn’t mean you can’t snag great deals. Big Lots has its own array of ways for smart shoppers to get more for less.
1. Big Lots Store Coupons
Big Lots regularly issues their own coupons. Here’s how you can claim and use them:
- Email Offers: Sign up for Big Lots’ email list to receive exclusive coupons, often ranging from dollars-off to percentage savings on your total purchase.
- Digital Coupons: The Big Lots website and mobile app frequently have special offers for account holders.
- Mailers and Flyers: Physical coupons sometimes arrive via mail or as part of circulars.
- Flash Sales: Look out for short-term promotions offering 15%, 20%, or even 25% off entire purchases.
2. Big Rewards Loyalty Program
Big Lots’ loyalty program, Big Rewards, is a must for regular shoppers:
- Free to Join: Register in-store or online with your email or phone number.
- Earn Rewards: Receive $5 coupons for every three purchases, birthday surprises, and exclusive members-only deals.
- Special Event Invites: Get early access to savings events and VIP coupons.
3. Seasonal and Holiday Promotions
Big Lots is known for major savings events:
- Friends & Family Sales: These events, held several times a year, offer 20% off.
- Holiday Sales: Prices are slashed for events like Black Friday, Labor Day, and other holidays.
4. Clearance and Markdown Aisles
You can almost always find heavily discounted items on Big Lots’ clearance shelves, especially on seasonal merchandise or items being phased out.
Benefits of Using Big Lots’ Own Coupons
While you can’t rely on manufacturer coupons at Big Lots, their store coupons and loyalty rewards have distinct advantages:
- Simplicity: No need to organize or stack piles of brand coupons.
- Storewide Savings: Most coupons apply to your whole purchase, not just specific products.
- Eligibility Across Departments: Discounts are often valid on furniture, home goods, groceries, and more.
Challenges and Limitations
It’s important to know a few things that might limit your coupon experience at Big Lots:
- Exclusions Apply: Some items are excluded from discounts, like clearance products, gift cards, or electronics.
- Non-Stackable: You can usually only use one coupon per transaction.
- Expiration Dates: Big Lots coupons have set expiration dates, so use them promptly.
Smart Shopping Tips for Big Lots
Maximize your savings at Big Lots with these proven strategies:
1. Join Big Rewards
Signing up is free and takes just a minute. Every purchase brings you closer to rewards and instant discounts.
2. Watch Your Inbox
Keep an eye out for exclusive coupons sent via email—these can offer substantial, limited-time savings.
3. Plan Around Promotions
Times like Friends & Family sales or holiday weekends are the best opportunities to stack storewide discounts with ongoing deals.
4. Shop the Clearance Section
Regularly check your local store’s clearance and markdown sections for deep discounts, especially on seasonal items.
5. Read the Fine Print
Every coupon comes with some restrictions. Double-check the terms before heading to the checkout to avoid surprises.
6. Combine Rewards and Sales
Use your Big Rewards coupons during storewide sales events for the biggest possible savings.
Store Coupon Policies: How Big Lots Compares
Other discount retailers and closeout chains may have similar coupon policies—most do not accept manufacturer coupons due to the nature of their inventory. General merchandise and grocery chains like Walmart or Target are more likely to accept them, but even there, exclusions and rules apply.
Big Lots stands out by offering frequent store-run promotions, simple rewards, and easy-to-use coupons that don’t require the hassle of clipping and saving manufacturer coupons.
Quick Recap
- Manufacturer coupons are not accepted at Big Lots.
- Instead, you can use Big Lots-issued coupons, digital offers, and loyalty rewards.
- Join Big Rewards for frequent discounts and perks.
- Time your big purchases around major sales events and utilize clearance sales for the deepest discounts.
- Read coupon terms carefully, as exclusions and limits may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Big Lots accept any paper coupons at all?
Big Lots does accept some paper coupons, but only those issued by Big Lots itself. Manufacturer coupons and most third-party coupons are not accepted. Always check the coupon’s details to make sure it’s a Big Lots-authorized promotion.
2. Can I use digital coupons at Big Lots?
Yes, you can use digital coupons provided by Big Lots. These can be accessed through their website, app, or email offers. Present your coupon code at checkout or have it scanned from your mobile device.
3. Is it possible to combine multiple coupons or offers at Big Lots?
Generally, only one coupon can be used per transaction at Big Lots. Exceptions may occur during special promotions, but stacking multiple discounts is rarely allowed. However, using a reward earned from the Big Rewards program during storewide sales can effectively boost your savings.
4. How do I sign up for Big Rewards, and what are the benefits?
Join the Big Rewards program by signing up with your email or phone number in-store or online. Benefits include earning $5 rewards every three visits, special birthday rewards, VIP event invitations, and access to exclusive discounts.
5. Are there any special days when discounts are bigger at Big Lots?
Yes! Big Lots regularly hosts Friends & Family events, seasonal sale weekends, and email-exclusive flash sales where discounts may reach up to 20% or 25% off your entire purchase. Big Rewards members are often notified first, so being on the mailing list can give you a head start on savings.
Final Thoughts
While Big Lots doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons, its focus on store-offered promotions, loyalty rewards, and consistently low prices means you can still find plenty of ways to save. Take advantage of their own coupons, stay active in the Big Rewards program, and keep an eye out for major sales to stretch your dollar further every time you shop. Happy bargain hunting!
