Pearl River, NY (June, 2003): Katz & Associates, the nation’s largest real estate company dedicated exclusively to retail, is pleased to announce that they represented Big Lots for their entry into the New York and Northern New Jersey markets. Four deals have been completed on Long Island and one in Northern New Jersey. “Big Lots is an excellent use for second generation space. Landlords are very receptive to Big Lots’ merchandise mix and value proposition. Big Lots is very excited about getting these five stores open and is committed to opening many more stores throughout these markets,” said Howard Seiden, Vice President Northeast Region, who handled the transactions. Katz and Associates has been involved with Big Lots for the past seven years opening stores in select markets throughout the country.

Big Lots is America's number one closeout retailer with more then 1,300 stores in 45 states. As the nation's dominant broadline brand name closeout retailer, Big Lots offers the best prices on household basics, gifts, furniture, food and seasonal goods. Closeouts are the same first-quality, brand name products found at other retailers but sold at far lower prices. New stores are approximately 30,000 square feet and are located primarily in power and community strip centers.

Headquartered in Columbus Ohio, Big Lots is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenues exceeding $3.4 billion. The stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol BLI.