BIG LOTS INC - Quarter Report: 2010 October (Form 10-Q)

form10q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 30, 2010

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 1-8897

BIG LOTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio	06-1119097
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

300 Phillipi Road, P.O. Box 28512, Columbus, Ohio	43228-5311
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(614) 278-6800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YesT Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YesT Noo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer T

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o NoT

The number of the registrant’s common shares, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of December 3, 2010, was 75,468,266.

BIG LOTS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page

Part I. Financial Information			2

	Item 1.	Financial Statements	2

	a)	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and October 31, 2009 (Unaudited)	2

	b)	Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and January 30, 2010	3

	c)	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and October 31, 2009 (Unaudited)	4

	d)	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 30, 2010 (Unaudited) and October 31, 2009 (Unaudited)	5

	e)	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	6

	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16

	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23

	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	23

Part II. Other Information			23

	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	23

	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	23

	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	24

	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	24

	Item 4.	(Removed and Reserved)	24

	Item 5.	Other Information	24

	Item 6.	Exhibits	25

Signature			25

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 30, 2010			October 31, 2009			October 30, 2010			October 31, 2009

Net sales	$	1,055,830		$	1,035,269		$	3,433,301		$	3,263,492
Cost of sales		627,723			617,278			2,040,814			1,948,938
Gross margin		428,107			417,991			1,392,487			1,314,554
Selling and administrative expenses		381,620			365,194			1,154,774			1,115,657
Depreciation expense		19,584			18,184			57,532			56,348
Gain on sale of real estate		-			(12,964	)		-			(12,964	)
Operating profit		26,903			47,577			180,181			155,513
Interest expense		(756	)		(507	)		(1,765	)		(1,334	)
Interest and investment income		51			14			571			39
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		26,198			47,084			178,987			154,218
Income tax expense		8,453			16,828			66,465			59,036
Income from continuing operations		17,745			30,256			112,522			95,182
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($33), $48, ($34), and ($115), respectively		(51	)		73			(53	)		(179	)
Net income	$	17,694		$	30,329		$	112,469		$	95,003

Earnings per common share - basic
Continuing operations	$	0.24		$	0.37		$	1.43		$	1.17
Discontinued operations		-			-			-			-
	$	0.23		$	0.37		$	1.43		$	1.16

Earnings per common share - diluted
Continuing operations	$	0.23		$	0.37		$	1.41		$	1.15
Discontinued operations		-			-			-			-
	$	0.23		$	0.37		$	1.41		$	1.15

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		75,481			81,674			78,627			81,568
Dilutive effect of share-based awards		888			1,059			975			924
Diluted		76,369			82,733			79,602			82,492

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except par value)

	(Unaudited) October 30, 2010			January 30, 2010
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	50,780		$	283,733
Inventories		1,006,385			731,337
Deferred income taxes		57,872			51,012
Other current assets		84,806			56,884
Total current assets		1,199,843			1,122,966
Property and equipment - net		527,244			491,256
Deferred income taxes		17,340			28,136
Restricted cash		8,000			-
Other assets		28,762			27,135
Total assets	$	1,781,189		$	1,669,493

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	469,896		$	309,862
Property, payroll, and other taxes		79,717			69,388
Accrued operating expenses		58,841			52,519
Insurance reserves		37,853			39,570
KB bankruptcy lease obligation		3,671			4,786
Accrued salaries and wages		41,097			47,402
Income taxes payable		960			18,993
Total current liabilities		692,035			542,520
Long-term obligations under bank credit facility		128,500			-
Deferred rent		42,630			31,490
Insurance reserves		45,779			44,695
Unrecognized tax benefits		18,015			28,577
Other liabilities		24,322			20,799
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred shares - authorized 2,000 shares; $0.01 par value; none issued		-			-
Common shares - authorized 298,000 shares; $0.01 par value; issued 117,495 shares; outstanding 74,801 shares and 81,922 shares, respectively		1,175			1,175
Treasury shares - 42,694 shares and 35,573 shares, respectively, at cost		(1,079,514	)		(791,042	)
Additional paid-in capital		518,572			515,061
Retained earnings		1,401,822			1,289,353
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(12,147	)		(13,135	)
Total shareholders' equity		829,908			1,001,412
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,781,189		$	1,669,493

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Common					Treasury						Additional Paid-In			Retained		Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	Shares			Amount		Shares			Amount			Capital			Earnings		Loss			Total

Balance - January 31, 2009		81,315		$	1,175		36,180		$	(804,561	)	$	504,552		$	1,088,984	$	(15,305	)	$	774,845
Net income		-			-		-			-			-			95,003		-			95,003
Other comprehensive income
Amortization of pension, net of tax of $(780)		-			-		-			-			-			-		1,222			1,222
Comprehensive income		-			-		-			-			-			-		-			96,225
Purchases of common shares		(87	)		-		87			(1,849	)		-			-		-			(1,849	)
Exercise of stock options		142			-		(142	)		3,162			(1,291	)		-		-			1,871
Restricted shares vested		328			-		(328	)		7,291			(7,291	)		-		-			-
Tax benefit (charge) from share-based awards		-			-		-			-			(541	)		-		-			(541	)
Sale of treasury shares used for deferred compensation plan		4			-		(4	)		30			72			-		-			102
Share-based employee compensation expense		-			-		-			-			12,311			-		-			12,311
Balance - October 31, 2009		81,702			1,175		35,793			(795,927	)		507,812			1,183,987		(14,083	)		882,964
Net income		-			-		-			-			-			105,366		-			105,366
Other comprehensive income
Amortization of pension, net of tax of $(325)		-			-		-			-			-			-		518			518
Valuation adjustment of pension, net of tax of $(273)		-			-		-			-			-			-		430			430
Comprehensive income		-			-		-			-			-			-		-			106,314
Purchases of common shares		-			-		-			-			-			-					-
Exercise of stock options		220			-		(220	)		4,883			(1,823	)		-		-			3,060
Tax benefit (charge) from share-based awards		-			-		-			-			1,100			-		-			1,100
Sale of treasury shares used for deferred compensation plan		-			-		-			2			8			-		-			10
Share-based employee compensation expense		-			-		-			-			7,964			-		-			7,964
Balance - January 30, 2010		81,922			1,175		35,573			(791,042	)		515,061			1,289,353		(13,135	)		1,001,412
Net income		-			-		-			-			-			112,469		-			112,469
Other comprehensive income
Amortization of pension, net of tax of $(658)		-			-		-			-			-			-		988			988
Comprehensive income		-			-		-			-			-			-		-			113,457
Purchases of common shares		(9,763	)		-		9,763			(350,806	)		-			-		-			(350,806	)
Exercise of stock options		1,794			-		(1,794	)		41,953			(9,631	)		-		-			32,322
Restricted shares vested		845			-		(845	)		20,367			(20,367	)		-		-			-
Tax benefit (charge) from share-based awards		-			-		-			-			13,697			-		-			13,697
Sale of treasury shares used for deferred compensation plan		3			-		(3	)		14			83			-		-			97
Share-based employee compensation expense		-			-		-			-			19,729			-		-			19,729
Balance - October 30, 2010		74,801		$	1,175		42,694		$	(1,079,514	)	$	518,572		$	1,401,822	$	(12,147	)	$	829,908

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 30, 2010			October 31, 2009
Operating activities:
Net income	$	112,469		$	95,003
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		54,417			53,872
Deferred income taxes		3,277			11,985
Loss on disposition of equipment		560			706
Non-cash impairment charge		-			240
Gain on sale of real estate		-			(12,964	)
KB Toys matters		-			(1,388	)
Non-cash share-based compensation expense		19,729			12,311
Pension expense, net of contributions		2,426			3,359
Change in assets and liabilities:
Inventories		(275,048	)		(181,589	)
Accounts payable		160,034			187,547
Current income taxes		(40,851	)		(33,878	)
Other current assets		(15,390	)		(16,215	)
Other current liabilities		(2,428	)		13,367
Other assets		(2,954	)		(4,773	)
Other liabilities		19,975			12,355
Net cash provided by operating activities		36,216			139,938

Investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(83,870	)		(61,875	)
Cash proceeds from sale of property and equipment		1,043			825
Deposit in restricted account		(8,000	)		-
Other		(287	)		(90	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(91,114	)		(61,140	)

Financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings under bank credit facility		324,100			238,800
Payment of borrowings under bank credit facility		(195,600	)		(299,500	)
Payment of capital lease obligations		(1,865	)		(1,966	)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		32,322			1,871
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards		13,697			457
Deferred bank credit facility fees paid		-			(5,579	)
Payment for treasury shares acquired		(350,806	)		(1,849	)
Treasury shares sold for deferred compensation plan		97			102
Net cash used in financing activities		(178,055	)		(67,664	)

(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents		(232,953	)		11,134
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		283,733			34,773
End of period	$	50,780		$	45,907

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, including capital leases	$	167		$	218
Cash paid for income taxes, excluding impact of refunds	$	89,407		$	80,125
Non-cash activity:
Accrued property and equipment	$	14,051		$	8,324

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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BIG LOTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

All references in this report to “we,” “us,” or “our” are to Big Lots, Inc. and its subsidiaries. We are the nation’s largest broadline closeout retailer. At October 30, 2010, we operated 1,389 stores in 48 states. We manage our business on the basis of one segment, broadline closeout retailing. We have historically experienced, and expect to continue to experience, seasonal fluctuations, with a larger percentage of our net sales and operating profit realized in our fourth fiscal quarter. We make available, free of charge, through the “Investor Relations” section of our website (www.biglots.com) under the “SEC Filings” caption, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The contents of our websites are not part of this report.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and these notes have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial information. The consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which management believes are necessary to present fairly our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for all periods presented. These statements, however, do not include all information necessary for a complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Interim results may not necessarily be indicative of results that may be expected for, or actually result during, any other interim period or for the year as a whole. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and these notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 (“2009 Form 10-K”).

Fiscal Periods

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31, which results in fiscal years consisting of 52 or 53 weeks. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. Fiscal year 2010 (“2010”) is comprised of the 52 weeks that began on January 31, 2010 and will end on January 29, 2011. Fiscal year 2009 (“2009”) is comprised of the 52 weeks that began on February 1, 2009 and ended on January 30, 2010. The fiscal quarters ended October 30, 2010 (“third quarter of 2010”) and October 31, 2009 (“third quarter of 2009”) were both comprised of 13 weeks. The year-to-date periods ended October 30, 2010 (“year-to-date 2010”) and October 31, 2009 (“year-to-date 2009”) were both comprised of 39 weeks.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses include store expenses (such as payroll and occupancy costs) and costs related to warehousing, distribution, outbound transportation to our stores, advertising, purchasing, insurance and insurance-related, non-income taxes, and overhead. Selling and administrative expense rates may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include distribution and outbound transportation costs in cost of sales. Distribution and outbound transportation costs included in selling and administrative expenses were $38.2 million and $38.7 million for the third quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009, respectively, and $115.5 million and $117.3 million for the year-to-date 2010 and the year-to-date 2009, respectively.

Advertising Expense

Advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred, consist primarily of television, print and internet advertising and in-store point-of-purchase presentations. Advertising expenses are included in selling and administrative expenses. Advertising expenses were $16.4 million for both the third quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009, respectively, and $54.5 million and $59.6 million for the year-to-date 2010 and the year-to-date 2009, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 31, 2010, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which amends Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to add new requirements for disclosures about transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. ASU 2010-06 also clarifies existing fair value disclosures about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. Further, ASU 2010-06 amends guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets under ASC 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits, to require that disclosures be provided by classes of assets instead of by major categories of assets. Our adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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NOTE 2 – RESTRICTED CASH

On July 1, 2010, we deposited $8.0 million in a restricted cash account. The restricted cash serves as collateral, in place of an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, to provide financial assurance that we will fulfill our obligations with respect to cash requirements associated with self-insurance, as discussed in note 10 of our 2009 Form 10-K. The cash is on deposit with our insurance carrier. At October 30, 2010, the $8.0 million in the restricted account is classified as noncurrent in other assets.

NOTE 3 – BANK CREDIT FACILITY

On April 28, 2009, we entered into a $500 million three-year unsecured credit facility (“2009 Credit Agreement”). The 2009 Credit Agreement expires on April 28, 2012. In connection with our entry into the 2009 Credit Agreement, we paid bank fees and other expenses in the aggregate amount of $5.6 million, which are being amortized over the term of the agreement. Proceeds from borrowings under the 2009 Credit Agreement are available for general corporate purposes, working capital, and to repay certain of our indebtedness. The 2009 Credit Agreement includes a $150.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $30.0 million swing loan sublimit. At October 30, 2010, $51.5 million was committed to outstanding letters of credit. The interest rates, pricing and fees under the 2009 Credit Agreement fluctuate based on our debt rating. The 2009 Credit Agreement allows us to select our interest rate for each borrowing from two different interest rate options. The interest rate options are generally derived from the prime rate or LIBOR. We may prepay revolving loans made under the 2009 Credit Agreement. The 2009 Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on indebtedness, liens and investments, as well as the maintenance of two financial ratios – a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. A violation of any of the covenants could result in a default under the 2009 Credit Agreement that would permit the lenders to restrict our ability to further access the 2009 Credit Agreement for loans and letters of credit and require the immediate repayment of any outstanding loans under the 2009 Credit Agreement. At October 30, 2010, we were in compliance with the covenants of the 2009 Credit Agreement.

NOTE 4 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy, as defined below, gives the highest priority to Level 1 and the lowest priority to Level 3.

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists; therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The carrying value of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the relatively short maturity of these items.

In connection with our nonqualified deferred compensation plan, we had mutual fund investments of $18.8 million and $16.2 million at October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively, which were recorded in other assets. These investments were classified as trading securities and were recorded at their fair value. The fair values of mutual fund investments were Level 1 valuations under the fair value hierarchy because each fund’s quoted market value per share was available in an active market.

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Included in cash and cash equivalents were amounts on deposit with financial institutions totaling $18.2 million and $123.0 million at October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, respectively, stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

At October 30, 2010 and January 30, 2010, cash and cash equivalents carried at fair value was comprised of the following:

	October 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Money market funds	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Variable rate demand notes		-		-		-		-
Total	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-

	January 30, 2010
(In thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Money market funds	$	76,350	$	76,350	$	-	$	-
Variable rate demand notes		56,152		-		56,152		-
Total	$	132,502	$	76,350	$	56,152	$	-

Variable rate demand notes are issued by various corporate, non-profit and governmental entities that are of high credit quality with many being secured by direct-pay letters of credit from a major financial institution. Also, variable rate demand notes can be tendered for sale upon notice (generally no longer than seven days) to the original issuer, at par plus accrued interest.

NOTE 5 – SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Earnings per Share

There were no adjustments required to be made to the weighted-average common shares outstanding for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share and there were no securities outstanding at October 30, 2010 or October 31, 2009, which were excluded from the computation of earnings per share other than antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards and the impact of the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase transaction, as discussed below. For the third quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009, 1.0 million and 1.1 million, respectively, of the stock options outstanding were antidilutive and excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the year-to-date 2010 and the year-to-date 2009, 0.9 million and 2.9 million, respectively, of the stock options outstanding were antidilutive and excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. Antidilutive stock options generally consist of outstanding stock options where the exercise price per share is greater than the weighted-average market price per share for our common shares for each period. Antidilutive stock options and restricted stock awards are excluded from the calculation because they decrease the number of diluted shares outstanding under the treasury stock method. The restricted stock awards that were antidilutive, as determined under the treasury stock method, were immaterial for all periods presented.

Share Repurchase Program

In December 2009, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares. On March 2, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized a $250.0 million increase to our repurchase program bringing the total authorization to $400.0 million (collectively the “2010 Repurchase Program”).

On March 10, 2010, we utilized $150.0 million of the authorization under the 2010 Repurchase Program to execute an accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”) which reduced our common shares outstanding by 3.6 million. The total number of shares repurchased under the ASR will be based upon the volume weighted average price per share of our stock over a predetermined period and will not be known until that period ends and a final settlement occurs. The final settlement could increase or decrease the 3.6 million shares initially reduced from our outstanding common shares. If the ASR had settled on October 30, 2010, we would have received approximately 0.8 million additional common shares from the counterparty based on the average market price of our common shares since the beginning of the period specified by the ASR. The terms of the ASR restrict us from declaring a dividend prior to its completion, which is currently scheduled to be no later than January 26, 2011.

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During the third quarter of 2010 and the year-to-date 2010, we acquired approximately 3.5 million of our outstanding common shares for $108.3 million and 6.0 million of our outstanding common shares for $192.2 million, respectively, under the 2010 Repurchase Program.

Our remaining repurchase authorization under the 2010 Repurchase Program was approximately $57.8 million at October 30, 2010, and is available 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 2010 Repurchase Program are held in treasury at cost and are available to meet obligations under equity compensation plans and for general corporate purposes. The 2010 Repurchase Program has no scheduled termination date and will be funded with cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations or, if needed, by drawing on our 2009 Credit Agreement.

NOTE 6 – SHARE-BASED PLANS

We have issued nonqualified stock options and restricted stock awards under our shareholder-approved equity compensation plans. Our restricted stock awards, as described below and in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2009 Form 10-K, are expensed and reported as nonvested shares. We recognized share-based compensation expense of $5.8 million and $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009, respectively, and $19.7 million and $12.3 million in the year-to-date 2010 and the year-to-date 2009, respectively.

The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted and assumptions used in the model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted during each of the respective periods were as follows:

	Third Quarter						Year-to-Date
	2010			2009			2010			2009

Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted	$	13.89		$	9.70		$	13.68		$	7.86
Risk-free interest rate		2.3	%		2.1	%		2.2	%		1.7	%
Expected life (years)		4.2			4.3			4.2			4.3
Expected volatility		43.7	%		54.6	%		45.7	%		56.0	%
Expected annual forfeiture rate		1.5	%		1.5	%		1.5	%		1.5	%

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The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year-to-date 2010:

	Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000's)
Outstanding stock options at January 30, 2010		4,496,633		$	19.46
Granted		967,500			36.01
Exercised		(1,535,410	)		17.74
Forfeited		(22,450	)		29.83
Outstanding stock options at May 1, 2010		3,906,273		$	24.17		5.3	$	54,839
Granted		15,000			34.11
Exercised		(132,580	)		20.47
Forfeited		(32,250	)		19.82
Outstanding stock options at July 31, 2010		3,756,443		$	24.38		5.0	$	38,943
Granted		10,000			33.68
Exercised		(126,595	)		18.68
Forfeited		(29,725	)		28.54
Outstanding stock options at October 30, 2010		3,610,123		$	24.57		4.8	$	28,986
Vested or expected to vest at October 30, 2010		3,507,433		$	24.52		4.8	$	28,298
Exercisable at October 30, 2010		1,277,722		$	20.10		3.7	$	14,396

We granted stock options in 2010 that vest in equal amounts on the first four anniversaries of the grant date and have a contractual term of seven years. The number of stock options expected to vest was based on our annual forfeiture rate assumption.

The following table summarizes restricted stock awards activity for the year-to-date 2010:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding restricted stock awards at January 30, 2010		849,488		$	19.48
Granted		482,500			35.94
Vested		(817,700	)		19.30
Forfeited		(3,000	)		31.20
Outstanding restricted stock awards at May 1, 2010		511,288		$	35.23
Granted		23,484			34.81
Vested		(26,388	)		23.58
Forfeited		-			-
Outstanding restricted stock awards at July 31, 2010		508,384		$	35.81
Granted		1,200			33.68
Vested		(900	)		21.83
Forfeited		(1,700	)		35.92
Outstanding restricted stock awards at October 30, 2010		506,984		$	35.83

The nonvested restricted stock awards granted to employees in the year-to-date 2010 vest if certain financial performance objectives are achieved. If we meet a threshold financial performance objective and the recipient remains employed by us, the restricted stock will vest on the opening of our first trading window five years after the grant date of the award. If we meet a higher financial performance objective and the recipient remains employed by us, the restricted stock will vest on the first trading day after we file our Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC for the fiscal year in which the higher objective is met. The restricted stock will also vest on a prorated basis in the event that the recipient dies or becomes disabled after we meet the threshold financial performance objective but before the lapse of five years. On the grant date, we estimated a two-year period for vesting of the restricted stock awards granted in 2010 based on the projected achievement of the higher financial performance objective.

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In 2008, we achieved the higher financial performance objective for the restricted stock awards granted to employees during 2007, resulting in the vesting of 310,700 common shares underlying the restricted stock awards in the first quarter of 2009. In connection with the vesting of these shares, we acquired approximately 84,000 of our common shares, which were withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations.

In the second quarter of 2009, 16,975 common shares underlying the restricted stock awards granted to the non-employee members of our Board of Directors in 2008 vested on the trading day immediately preceding our annual meeting of shareholders. These awards were part of the annual compensation granted in 2008 to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2009, each non-employee member of our Board of Directors received an annual restricted stock award having a grant date fair value of approximately $75,000.

In 2009, we achieved the higher financial performance objective for the restricted stock awards granted to employees during 2008 and 2009, resulting in the vesting of 817,700 common shares underlying the restricted stock awards in the first quarter of 2010. In connection with the vesting of these shares, we acquired approximately 234,000 of our common shares, which were withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations.

In the second quarter of 2010, 25,488 common shares underlying the restricted stock awards granted to the non-employee members of our Board of Directors in 2009 vested on the trading day immediately preceding our annual meeting of shareholders. These awards were part of the annual compensation granted in 2009 to the non-employee members of the Board of Directors. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2010, each non-employee member of our Board of Directors received an annual restricted stock award having a grant date fair value of approximately $95,000. These restricted stock awards vest on the earlier of 1) the trading day immediately preceding the 2011 annual meeting of our shareholders, or 2) the non-employee director’s death or disability. However, the restricted stock award will not vest if the non-employee director ceases to serve on our Board of Directors before either vesting event occurs.

The following activity occurred under our share-based plans during the respective periods shown:

	Third Quarter				Year-to-Date
	2010		2009		2010		2009
(In thousands)
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	1,915	$	728	$	32,321	$	1,629
Total fair value of restricted stock vested		28		-		31,071		6,954

The total unearned compensation cost related to all share-based awards outstanding at October 30, 2010 was approximately $27.6 million. This compensation cost is expected to be recognized through November 2012 based on existing vesting terms with the weighted-average remaining expense recognition period being approximately 2.1 years from October 30, 2010.

NOTE 7 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

We maintain a qualified defined benefit pension plan and a nonqualified supplemental defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees whose hire date occurred before April 1, 1994.

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The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost for our plans were as follows:

	2010			2009
Discount rate		5.7	%		7.3	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels		3.5	%		3.5	%
Expected long-term rate of return		8.0	%		8.0	%
Measurement date for plan assets and benefit obligations	01/30/10			01/31/09

The components of combined net periodic pension cost were as follows:

	Third Quarter						Year-to-Date
	2010			2009			2010			2009
(In thousands)
Service cost - benefits earned in the period	$	607		$	565		$	1,825		$	1,695
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		813			932			2,441			2,795
Expected investment return on plan assets		(1,062	)		(793	)		(3,186	)		(2,379	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		554			673			1,662			2,018
Amortization of prior service cost		(8	)		(9	)		(26	)		(26	)
Amortization of transition obligation		4			3			10			10
Net periodic pension cost	$	908		$	1,371		$	2,726		$	4,113

We currently do not expect to contribute to the qualified defined benefit pension plan during 2010. We will contribute to the nonqualified supplemental defined benefit pension plan as benefits are paid to plan participants, if any, because the nonqualified plan is not a funded plan.

NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES

For the year-to-date 2010, unrecognized tax benefits decreased by approximately $9.3 million primarily related to settlements, including the settlement of a deduction item for which there was uncertainty about the timing of the deduction. Income tax expense was benefited by the reduction in accrued interest expense related to settlement items. We have estimated the reasonably possible expected net change in unrecognized tax benefits through October 29, 2011, based on 1) anticipated positions taken in the next 12 months, 2) expected cash and noncash settlements or payments of uncertain tax positions, and 3) lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations for unrecognized tax benefits. The estimated net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for the next 12 months is approximately $15.0 million. Actual results may differ materially from this estimate.

NOTE 9 – CONTINGENCIES

In November 2004, a civil collective action complaint was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleging that we violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by misclassifying assistant store managers as exempt employees (“Louisiana matter”). The plaintiffs sought to recover, on behalf of themselves and all other individuals who are similarly situated, alleged unpaid overtime compensation, as well as liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On July 5, 2005, the Court issued an order conditionally certifying a class of all then-current and former assistant store managers who worked for us since November 23, 2001. As a result of that order, notice of the lawsuit was sent to approximately 5,500 individuals who had the right to opt-in to the Louisiana matter. Approximately 1,100 individuals opted to join the Louisiana matter. We filed a motion to decertify the class and the motion was denied on August 24, 2007. The trial began on May 7, 2008 and concluded on May 15, 2008. On June 20, 2008, the Court issued an order decertifying the action and dismissed, without prejudice, the claims of the opt-in plaintiffs. After this ruling, four plaintiffs remained before the Court. On January 26, 2009, three of the plaintiffs presented their respective cases before the Court. Since then, the claims of one of the plaintiffs in the January 2009 action and the fourth plaintiff (who did not participate in the January 2009 action) were dismissed with prejudice. On April 2, 2009, the Court awarded the two remaining plaintiffs an aggregate amount of approximately $0.1 million plus attorneys’ fees and costs, which, on June 25, 2009, were determined to be $0.4 million. We appealed both of these decisions. Subsequent to the Court’s April 2, 2009 decision, approximately 172 of the opt-in plaintiffs filed individual actions in the Court. On August 13, 2009, we filed a writ of mandamus challenging the Court’s jurisdiction to hear these cases. This writ was denied on October 20, 2009. On January 12, 2010, the Louisiana matter was preliminarily settled for $4.0 million, and on June 29, 2010, the Court conditionally approved the settlement. Following additional administrative processing, all settled cases will be dismissed with prejudice. As of August 24, 2010, we had received executed releases from all but one of the 172 plaintiffs. Unless and until an executed release is received, that plaintiff's case will not be dismissed and we will not pay a settlement amount to that plaintiff.

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In June 2010, a civil collective action complaint was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that we violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by misclassifying assistant store managers as exempt employees (“Gromek matter”). The plaintiffs sought to recover, on behalf of themselves and all other individuals who were similarly situated, alleged unpaid overtime compensation, as well as liquidated damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. We answered the plaintiffs’ complaint in August 2010, and we are in the preliminary stages of discovery. On October 15, 2010, the plaintiff filed a motion requesting that the Court 1) conditionally certify a class of then-current and former assistant store managers employed during the prior three years, excluding those employed in California or New York, and 2) authorize the plaintiff to send a notice of this lawsuit to those putative class members to allow them to join this lawsuit. We have opposed the plaintiff’s motion and we await the Court’s ruling. The Gromek matter is similar in nature to the Louisiana matter. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from the Gromek matter or the estimated range of possible loss, if any. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations levied in this lawsuit; however, the ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

In April 2009, a civil collective action complaint was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York, alleging that we violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by misclassifying assistant store managers as exempt employees (“New York matter”). In addition, the plaintiff seeks class action treatment under New York law relating to those assistant store managers working in the State of New York. The plaintiff seeks to recover, on behalf of himself and all other individuals who are similarly situated, alleged unpaid overtime compensation, as well as liquidated damages, attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 21, 2010, a stipulation was filed and order rendered limiting this action to current and former assistant store managers working in our New York stores. On March 2, 2010, plaintiff filed a motion for class certification and class notice. On May 14, we filed a memorandum in opposition to plaintiff’s motion and we await the court’s ruling. We are currently engaged in discovery in the New York matter. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations levied in this lawsuit. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from this lawsuit or the estimated range of possible loss, if any; however, we currently believe that such claims asserted in the New York matter, both individually and in the aggregate, will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

In September 2006, a class action complaint was filed against us in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, alleging that we violated certain California wage and hour laws by misclassifying California store managers as exempt employees ("Seals matter"). The plaintiffs seek to recover, on their own behalf and on behalf of all other individuals who are similarly situated, damages for alleged unpaid overtime, unpaid minimum wages, wages not paid upon termination, improper wage statements, missed rest breaks, missed meal periods, reimbursement of expenses, loss of unused vacation time, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On October 29, 2009, the Court denied, with prejudice, plaintiffs’ class certification motion. On January 21, 2010, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal, and the parties will have an opportunity to brief their respective positions in the coming months. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from this lawsuit or the estimated range of possible loss, if any. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations levied in this lawsuit; however, the ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

In April 2010, a class action complaint was filed against us in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, alleging that we violated certain California wage and hour laws by misclassifying California store managers as exempt employees ("Avitia matter"). The plaintiffs seek to recover damages for alleged unpaid wages and overtime, untimely paid wages at separation, improper wage statements, and attorneys’ fees and costs. In August 2010, the five plaintiffs named in the original complaint, which sought to recover damages on their own behalf and on behalf of all other individuals who were similarly situtated, filed an amended complaint that removed the class and representative allegations and asserted only individual actions. We have answered the amended complaint and are in the preliminary stages of discovery. The Avitia matter is related to and overlaps the Seals matter. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from the Avitia matter or the estimated range of possible loss, if any. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations levied in this lawsuit; however, we currently believe the Avitia matter will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

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In February 2008, three alleged class action complaints were filed against us by a California resident (the “Caron matters”). The first was filed in the Superior Court of California, Orange County. This action is similar in nature to the Seals matter, which enabled us to successfully coordinate this matter with the Seals matter in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County. The second and third matters, filed in the United States District Court, Central District of California, and the Superior Court of California, Riverside County, respectively, allege that we violated certain California wage and hour laws for missed meal and rest periods and other wage and hour claims. The plaintiffs seek to recover, on their own behalf and on behalf of a California statewide class consisting of all other individuals who are similarly situated, damages resulting from improper wage statements, missed rest breaks, missed meal periods, non-payment of wages at termination, reimbursement of expenses, loss of unused vacation time, and attorneys’ fees and costs. We believed these two matters overlapped and we successfully consolidated the two cases before the United States District Court, Central District of California. We believe the remaining allegations also overlap some portion of the claims released through the class action settlement in the Espinosa matter (for further discussion of the Espinosa matter see note 10 to our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009). On August 25, 2009, the Court denied, without prejudice, the plaintiffs’ class certification motion. On April 21, 2010, the Court granted, with prejudice, our motion to deny class certification. Accordingly, the claims of one plaintiff remain before the Court. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from the Caron matters or the estimated range of possible loss, if any. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations levied in these lawsuits; however, the ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

In June 2010, a representative enforcement action was filed against us in the Superior Court of California, Alameda County, alleging that we violated certain California wage and hour laws for missed meal and rest periods and other wage and hour claims (“Sample matter”). The plaintiff seeks to recover, on her behalf and on behalf of a California statewide class consisting of all other individuals who are similarly situated, damages resulting from allegedly unpaid overtime, unpaid meal period premiums, unpaid rest period premiums, unpaid business expenses, non-payment of wages at termination, untimely payment of wages, noncompliant wage statements, failure to providing seating, and attorneys’ fees and costs. In July 2010, we answered the plaintiff’s complaint and filed a notice of removal to the United States District Court, Northern District of California. On August 25, 2010, the plaintiff filed a motion requesting that the United States District Court, Northern District of California remand this lawsuit to the Superior Court of California, Alameda County. We have opposed the plaintiff’s motion to remand and we await a ruling from the United States District Court, Northern District of California. We are in the preliminary stages of discovery. The Sample matter is similar in nature to the actions comprising the Caron matters. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from the Sample matter or the estimated range of possible loss, if any. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations levied in this lawsuit; however, the ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

In 1998, an action was filed against us in the District Court, 224th Judicial District, in Bexar County, Texas (“State Court”) by a plaintiff claiming she was injured when she fell in one of our stores ("Rivera matter"). The Rivera matter was removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (“Federal Court”) and the claim was fully litigated. Ultimately, the Federal Court granted summary judgment in our favor in January 2000. The plaintiff re-filed the same complaint in April 2000 in the State Court and then obtained a default judgment against us on June 20, 2000 in the amount of approximately $1.5 million plus post-judgment interest, which brings the total claim against us to approximately $3.4 million. No effort was made to collect on this judgment by the plaintiff until February 2009, when we were served with a writ of execution of judgment. We have filed a petition for a bill of review with the State Court. Since that time, the Federal Court issued an order reflecting that the January 2000 order was a summary judgment with prejudice in our favor. Notwithstanding the Federal Court's order, the State Court rendered a summary judgment decision in the plaintiff's favor. We appealed the State Court's decision and asked the Federal Court to issue an injunction against the State Court's proceedings. Oral arguments in the appeal of the State Court’s decision were heard on June 22, 2010. On November 3, 2010, the Fourth Court of Appeals District of Texas affirmed the state court ruling. On March 25, 2010, the Federal Court denied our motion for an injunction and denied the plaintiff’s motion to reconsider the Federal Court’s order confirming that it granted summary judgment with prejudice. On April 6, 2010, the plaintiff appealed the Federal Court’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Briefing has not been completed for the Federal Court appeal and oral arguments have not been set. We cannot make a determination as to the probability of a loss contingency resulting from the Rivera matter; however, we currently believe that the Rivera matter will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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We are involved in other legal actions and claims, including various additional employment-related matters, arising in the ordinary course of business. We currently believe that such actions and claims, both individually and in the aggregate, will be resolved without a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. However, litigation involves an element of uncertainty. Future developments could cause these actions or claims to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.

NOTE 10 – BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA

We manage our business based on one segment, broadline closeout retailing. We use the following six merchandise categories, which match our internal management and reporting of merchandise net sales: Consumables, Furniture, Home, Seasonal, Hardlines, and Other. The Consumables category includes the food, health and beauty, plastics, paper, chemical, and pet departments. The Furniture category includes the upholstery, mattresses, ready-to-assemble, and case goods departments. Case goods consist of bedroom, dining room, and occasional furniture. The Home category includes the domestics, stationery, and home decorative departments. The Seasonal category includes the lawn & garden, Christmas, summer, and other holiday departments. The Hardlines category includes the electronics, appliances, tools, and home maintenance departments. The Other category includes the toy, jewelry, infant accessories, and apparel departments. Other also includes the results of certain large closeout deals that are typically acquired through our alternate product sourcing operations.

The following table presents net sales data by category:

	Third Quarter				Year-to-Date
	2010		2009		2010		2009
(In thousands)
Consumables	$	345,206	$	351,891	$	1,055,487	$	1,058,356
Furniture		193,403		168,658		627,274		530,463
Home		187,241		179,661		550,484		504,131
Hardlines		144,883		143,419		461,059		441,945
Seasonal		81,402		74,020		431,984		398,185
Other		103,695		117,620		307,013		330,412
Net sales	$	1,055,830	$	1,035,269	$	3,433,301	$	3,263,492

NOTE 11 – GAIN ON SALE OF REAL ESTATE

In September 2006, to avoid litigation and under threat of eminent domain, we sold a company-owned and operated store in California for a gain. As part of the sale, we entered into a lease which permitted us to continue to occupy and operate the store through January 2009 in exchange for rent of $1 per year plus the real estate taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance. Subsequently, this lease was modified to allow us to occupy this space through September 2009 under substantially the same terms. Because of the favorable lease terms, we deferred recognition of the gain until we no longer held a continuing involvement with this property. In September 2009, after attempts to further extend the lease term were unsuccessful, we closed the store, ending our continuing involvement with this property, and recognized the pretax gain on sale of real estate of $13.0 million.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the statements. We wish to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Act.

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act, 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 report 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.

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

OVERVIEW

The discussion and analysis presented below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. Each term defined in the notes has the same meaning in this item and the balance of this report.

The following are the results from the third quarter of 2010 that we believe are key indicators of our operating performance when compared to our operating performance from the third quarter of 2009:

Comparable store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of 2010 increased 0.7%.

Gross margin dollars increased $10.1 million and gross margin rate increased 10 basis points.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $16.4 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased 80 basis points to 36.1%.

Depreciation expense increased $1.4 million or 10 basis points to 1.9% of net sales.

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Operating profit rate decreased 210 basis points to 2.5%. Our results for the third quarter of 2009 include a 130 basis point benefit as a result of the gain on sale of real estate (See note 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements).

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.23 per share, a decrease of 36.8 % compared to last year’s $0.37 per share, which included $0.10 per share from a gain on sale of real estate.

Inventory increased by 9.6% or $88.2 million to $1,006.4 million from the third quarter of 2009, and was the primary driver to the decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities of $103.7 million.

During the third quarter of 2010, we acquired 3.5 million of our outstanding common shares for $108.3 million under the 2010 Repurchase Program, which we funded through net borrowings of $128.5 million under the 2009 Credit Agreement.

Capital expenditures during the year-to-date 2010 were $83.9 million, which included opening 53 new stores.

See the discussion and analysis below for additional details regarding our operating results.

STORES

The following table presents stores opened and closed during the year-to-date 2010 and the year-to-date 2009:

	2010			2009

Stores open at the beginning of the fiscal year		1,361			1,339
Stores opened during the period		53			43
Stores closed during the period		(25	)		(14	)
Stores open at the end of the period		1,389			1,368

As of November 17, 2010, we completed our store opening efforts for 2010 totaling 80 new stores, which was consistent with our prior estimates. We currently are estimating to close 42 stores in 2010, a slight increase from our prior estimate of 40 stores.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table compares components of our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales at the end of each period:

	Third Quarter						Year-to-Date
	2010			2009			2010			2009

Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		59.5			59.6			59.4			59.7
Gross margin		40.5			40.4			40.6			40.3
Selling and administrative expenses		36.1			35.3			33.6			34.2
Depreciation expense		1.9			1.8			1.7			1.7
Gain on sale of real estate		0.0			(1.3	)		0.0			(0.4	)
Operating profit		2.5			4.6			5.2			4.8
Interest expense		(0.1	)		0.0			(0.1	)		0.0
Interest income		0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		2.5			4.5			5.2			4.7
Income tax expense		0.8			1.6			1.9			1.8
Income from continuing operations		1.7			2.9			3.3			2.9
Discontinued operations		0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0
Net income		1.7	%		2.9	%		3.3	%		2.9	%

THIRD QUARTER OF 2010 COMPARED TO THIRD QUARTER OF 2009

Net Sales

Net sales by merchandise category, as a percentage of total net sales, and net sales change in dollars and percentage from the third quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter of 2009 were as follows:

	Third Quarter
	2010				2009				Change
($ in thousands)
Consumables	$	345,206	32.7	%	$	351,891	34.0	%	$	(6,685	)	(1.9	)%
Furniture		193,403	18.3			168,658	16.3			24,745		14.7
Home		187,241	17.7			179,661	17.4			7,580		4.2
Hardlines		144,883	13.7			143,419	13.8			1,464		1.0
Seasonal		81,402	7.7			74,020	7.1			7,382		10.0
Other		103,695	9.9			117,620	11.4			(13,925	)	(11.8	)
Net sales	$	1,055,830	100.0	%	$	1,035,269	100.0	%	$	20,561		2.0	%

Net sales increased $20.6 million or 2.0% to $1,055.8 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $1,035.3 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in net sales was principally driven by the net addition of 21 stores since the end of the third quarter of 2009, which increased net sales by $13.3 million. Also, net sales increased due to a 0.7% increase in comparable store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of 2010, which increased net sales by $7.3 million. Furniture, Home, and Seasonal had the largest sales gains as customers increased their spending in these discretionary categories. The Furniture category continued to experience increased sales across all departments, particularly in upholstery, as customers responded to both promotional events and recently introduced styles. The Home category continued its trend of increasing sales across most of its departments with the largest gain in domestics, as we continue to improve the value proposition and quality of our products. The Seasonal category increase was due to higher sales of lawn & garden items, as customers responded to new offerings, as well as increases in Halloween, harvest, and early Christmas trim deliveries. The Consumables category decrease was primarily due to lower food sales, as customers did not respond as expected to our current offerings and assortment. The decrease in the Other category was primarily driven by the absence of certain drugstore closeout deals in 2010 that occurred in 2009.

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Gross Margin

Gross margin dollars increased $10.1 million or 2.4% to $428.1 million for the third quarter of 2010, compared to $418.0 million for the third quarter of 2009. The increase in gross margin dollars was principally due to higher net sales, which increased gross margin dollars by approximately $8.3 million, and by the higher gross margin rate, which increased gross margin dollars by approximately $1.8 million. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased 10 basis points to 40.5% in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 40.4% in the third quarter of 2009. The gross margin rate increase was principally due to lower markdowns, lower shrink costs, and favorable merchandise mix impact, which were partially offset by higher inbound freight costs. Lower markdowns and favorable merchandise mix impact were the result of strong sales in our higher margin Seasonal and Home categories. A portion of the lower shrink rates in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the third quarter of 2009 was achieved as a result of finalizing and recording the favorable impact of a portion of our stores’ annual physical inventories, which in 2009 were completed prior to the beginning of the third quarter. The increase in inbound freight costs was primarily driven by higher diesel fuel costs, higher domestic carrier costs, and higher ocean freight rates.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $16.4 million or 4.5% to $381.6 million for the third quarter of 2010, compared to $365.2 million for the third quarter of 2009. This increase was primarily driven by higher sales and the net increase of 21 stores compared to the end of the third quarter of 2009. Compared to last year, the largest increases were in store payroll of $5.2 million, store rent expense of $3.1 million, store facility and operation costs of $3.1 million, credit card/bank fees of $2.5 million, and share-based compensation expense of $1.9 million. The increase in store payroll was principally due to the increased number of stores and higher sales. Store rents increased primarily due to the increased number of stores. Store facility and operation costs increased due to increased store pre-opening costs including supplies and increased repair costs primarily associated with our store refresh program. Credit card/bank fees increased as a result of higher rates charged by debit card network providers and from the increased sales. Share-based compensation expense was higher principally due to fiscal 2010 restricted stock awards having a higher fair value than prior year awards, based on our higher stock price in March 2010 as compared to March 2008 and 2009.

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses were 36.1% for the third quarter of 2010 compared to 35.3% for the third quarter of 2009. Net sales growth was 2.0% while our selling and administrative expenses grew by 4.5%, and the combination of those factors resulted in the 80 basis point increase in our selling and administrative expense rate.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation expense increased $1.4 million or 7.7% to $19.6 million in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $18.2 million for the third quarter of 2009. The increase in depreciation expense was principally related to our stores and was primarily due to new store openings. Since the end of the third quarter of 2009, the Company has opened 62 new stores, including relocations. New stores are opened with new assets that are beginning their depreciable lives with a high cost basis, while on the contrary, the stores closed during this same period had assets with a lower net value as many of the assets in those facilities were fully depreciated or were generating a limited amount of depreciation.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.3 million to $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in interest expense was principally due to higher average borrowings (including capital leases) of $39.6 million in the third quarter of 2010 compared to average borrowings of $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2009.

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Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009 for income from continuing operations was 32.3% and 35.7%, respectively. The lower rate in the third quarter of 2010 was driven by the recognition of a net deferred tax asset for state credits recently obtained partially offset by lower settlement activity.

YEAR-TO-DATE 2010 COMPARED TO YEAR-TO-DATE 2009

Net Sales

Net sales by merchandise category, as a percentage of total net sales, and net sales change in dollars and percentage from the year-to-date 2010 compared to the year-to-date 2009 were as follows:

	Year-to-Date
	2010				2009				Change
($ in thousands)
Consumables	$	1,055,487	30.7	%	$	1,058,356	32.4	%	$	(2,869	)	(0.3	)%
Furniture		627,274	18.3			530,463	16.3			96,811		18.3
Home		550,484	16.0			504,131	15.5			46,353		9.2
Hardlines		461,059	13.4			441,945	13.5			19,114		4.3
Seasonal		431,984	12.6			398,185	12.2			33,799		8.5
Other		307,013	9.0			330,412	10.1			(23,399	)	(7.1	)
Net sales	$	3,433,301	100.0	%	$	3,263,492	100.0	%	$	169,809		5.2	%

Net sales increased $169.8 million or 5.2% to $3,433.3 million in the year-to-date 2010, compared to $3,263.5 million in the year-to-date 2009. Comparable store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of 2010 increased 3.6%, which increased net sales by $110.3 million. In addition, net sales increased by $59.5 million through the net addition of 21 stores since the end of the third quarter of 2009. Furniture, Home, and Seasonal had the largest sales gains. Sales increased in all departments of the Furniture category driven by successful promotional events and sales of new styles introduced during the year. The Home category continued its trend of increasing sales across most of its departments with the largest gain in domestics, as we have improved the value proposition and quality of our product offerings. The Seasonal category increase was due to higher sales of lawn & garden, summer, and early fall seasonal items, as customers continue to respond to the value in our higher priced items. The Hardlines category sales improvement was primarily driven by the electronics department through the sales of video games which we began selling in the third fiscal quarter of 2009. The decrease in the Other category was primarily driven by the absence of certain drugstore closeout deals in 2010 that occurred in 2009 and lower sales in the infant and apparel departments.

Based on the sales trends for November, we expect fourth quarter sales to increase in the range of 4% to 6%. This overall expected increase is based on a comparable store sales increase in the range of flat to 2% supplemented by positive new store performance in both net additions and relocated stores. Additionally, we expect to benefit from an incremental shopping day between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Gross Margin

Gross margin dollars increased $77.9 million or 5.9% to $1,392.5 million for the year-to-date 2010, compared to $1,314.6 million for the year-to-date 2009. The increase in gross margin dollars was principally due to higher net sales of $169.8 million, which increased gross margin dollars by approximately $68.4 million. In addition, the higher gross margin rate increased gross margin dollars by approximately $9.5 million. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased 30 basis points to 40.6% in the year-to-date 2010 compared to 40.3% in the year-to-date 2009. The gross margin rate increase was principally due to both lower markdowns and shrink costs as a percent of sales combined with the favorable merchandise mix impact of strong sales of our higher margin Home and Seasonal categories. These favorable impacts were partially offset by higher domestic freight costs in the year-to-date 2010. We achieved lower shrink rates in the year-to-date 2010 compared to the year-to-date 2009 principally due to the benefit of this being our first annual physical inventories since the completion of the storewide rollout of our upgraded point-of-sale systems. The increase in inbound freight costs was primarily driven by higher diesel fuel costs and higher domestic carrier costs.

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We expect the gross margin rate to be lower for the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, as we expect higher inbound freight costs, both domestic and import, along with lower initial mark-up on certain deals or strategies designed to improve customer traffic and spending during the Christmas selling season.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased to $1,154.8 million for the year-to-date 2010, compared to $1,115.7 million for the year-to-date 2009. The increase of $39.1 million or 3.5% was primarily due to higher sales and a net increase of 21 stores since the end of the third quarter of 2009. Compared to last year, the largest increases were in store payroll expenses of $18.4 million, share-based compensation expense of $7.4 million, credit card/bank fees of $7.4 million, and store rent expense of $7.3 million. Partially offsetting these items was a decrease in advertising expenses of $5.1 million. The increase in store payroll was principally due to the increased number of stores, including pre-opening costs, and higher sales. Share-based compensation expense was higher principally due to fiscal 2010 restricted stock awards having a higher fair value than prior year awards, based on our higher stock price in March 2010 as compared to March 2008 and 2009. Credit card/bank fees increased as a result of higher rates charged by debit card network providers and from the increased sales. Store rents increased primarily due to the increased number of stores. Advertising expense decreased primarily due to lower printing and distribution costs along with more efficient spending on our broadcast promotions.

As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses were 33.6% for the year-to-date 2010 compared to 34.2% for the year-to-date 2009.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect selling and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales to be lower than the rate achieved in the fourth quarter of 2009. We continue to expect that the leveraging impact on most major expense areas, including store payroll, distribution and outbound transportation, utilities, and advertising, will be partially offset by higher credit card/bank fees due to rate increases charged by debit card network providers and an anticipated non-cash pension settlement charge.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation expense increased $1.2 million or 2.1% to $57.5 million in the year-to-date 2010 compared to $56.3 million for the year-to-date 2009. Depreciation expense as a percentage of sales is flat with last year at 170 basis points.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect that depreciation expense will increase as compared to 2009 as we complete our remaining planned capital expenditures associated with new store openings and maintenance of existing stores and distribution centers.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.5 million to $1.8 million in the year-to-date 2010 compared to $1.3 million in the year-to-date 2009. The increase in interest expense was principally due to higher average borrowings (including capital leases) of $15.3 million in the year-to-date 2010 compared to average borrowings of $9.7 million in the year-to-date 2009.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate for the year-to-date 2010 and the year-to-date 2009 for income from continuing operations was 37.1% and 38.3%, respectively. The lower rate in the year-to-date 2010 was principally due to the recognition of benefits resulting primarily from the recording of a net deferred tax asset for state credits recently obtained and an increase in the recognition of tax benefits related to the settlement of uncertain tax positions.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

On April 28, 2009, we entered into the 2009 Credit Agreement. The 2009 Credit Agreement is scheduled to expire on April 28, 2012. In connection with our entry into the 2009 Credit Agreement, we paid bank fees and other expenses in the aggregate amount of $5.6 million, which are being amortized over the term of the agreement. Proceeds from borrowings under the 2009 Credit Agreement are available for general corporate purposes, working capital, and to repay certain of our indebtedness. The 2009 Credit Agreement includes a $150.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $30.0 million swing loan sublimit. The interest rates, pricing and fees under the 2009 Credit Agreement fluctuate based on our debt rating. The 2009 Credit Agreement allows us to select our interest rate for each borrowing from two different interest rate options. The interest rate options are generally derived from the prime rate or LIBOR. We may prepay revolving loans made under the 2009 Credit Agreement. The 2009 Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on indebtedness, liens and investments, as well as the maintenance of two financial ratios – a leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. A violation of any of the covenants could result in a default under the 2009 Credit Agreement that would permit the lenders to restrict our ability to further access the 2009 Credit Agreement for loans and letters of credit and require the immediate repayment of any outstanding loans under the 2009 Credit Agreement. At October 30, 2010, we were in compliance with the covenants of the 2009 Credit Agreement.

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The primary source of our liquidity is cash flows from operations and, as necessary, borrowings under the 2009 Credit Agreement. Our net income and cash provided by operations are impacted by net sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, and operating profit margins. Our net sales are typically highest during the Christmas selling season (during our fourth fiscal quarter). Generally, our working capital requirements peak late in our third fiscal quarter or early in our fourth fiscal quarter. We have typically funded those requirements with borrowings under our credit facility. At October 30, 2010, we had $128.5 million of borrowings outstanding under the 2009 Credit Agreement and, after taking into account the reduction in availability resulting from outstanding letters of credit totaling $51.5 million, the borrowings available under the 2009 Credit Agreement were $320.0 million. At October 30, 2010, total indebtedness (outstanding borrowings and letters of credit) under the 2009 Credit Agreement was $180.0 million. In November 2010, total indebtedness reached approximately $200 million, which we anticipate was its peak, and we do not anticipate that we will make any additional borrowings (exclusive of letter of credit utilization) under the 2009 Credit Agreement through March 2011, including the potential impact of the 2010 Repurchase Program if this program is completed.

Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $103.7 million to $36.2 million in the year-to-date 2010 compared to cash provided by operations of $139.9 million in the year-to-date 2009. The decrease was principally due to higher merchandise inventories, which was partially offset by the generation of higher net income, higher share-based compensation expense, and the absence of the gain on sale of real estate. The increase in inventories occurred in both stores and warehouses. The increase in store inventories was driven by the net addition of 21 stores since the end of the third quarter of 2009, net sales in the third quarter of 2010 being below our forecasted net sales for that same period, and an increase in planned store openings, for which inventory had been allocated at the end of the third quarter of 2010 as compared to the end of the third quarter of 2009. We have opened 27 new stores in the fourth quarter of 2010 as compared to the 9 stores we opened in the fourth quarter of 2009. Higher inventories in warehouses resulted from planned earlier deliveries of holiday merchandise due to an expected shortage in import container capacity and quantities to support same store sales growth. Share-based compensation expense was higher principally due to fiscal 2010 restricted stock awards having a higher fair value than prior year awards, based on our higher stock price in March 2010 as compared to March 2008 and 2009.

Cash used in investing activities increased by $30.0 million to $91.1 million in the year-to-date 2010 compared to $61.1 million in the year-to-date 2009. The increase was primarily due to higher capital expenditures, which was driven by our increased store openings in 2010 compared to 2009. In the year-to-date 2010, we have opened 53 stores as compared to 43 in the year-to-date 2009. Also, we opened 27 new stores in November 2010 for which the majority of the capital expenditures were complete as of the end of the third quarter, which is an increase of 18 stores when compared to the 9 stores that were opened in November 2009. Additionally, we deposited $8.0 million with an insurance carrier into a restricted account.

Cash used in financing activities increased by $110.4 million to $178.1 million in the year-to-date 2010 compared to $67.7 million in the year-to-date 2009. The increase was primarily driven by our share repurchase activities, offset by our change in net borrowing and cash and tax benefits received from stock option exercises. In the year-to-date 2010, we have made share repurchases associated with 2010 Repurchase Program, including the ASR, totaling $342.2 million. In year-to-date 2009, we generated cash flows from operations sufficient to pay down a net $60.7 million of our long-term obligations under the 2009 Credit Agreement, while in the year-to-date 2010, we have utilized $128.5 million of our 2009 Credit Agreement to fund our Christmas selling season inventory purchases and a portion of the share repurchases made under the 2010 Repurchase Program. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the related tax benefits have increased by $43.7 million in the year-to-date 2010 as compared to the year-to-date 2009.

Based on year-to-date 2010 earnings and projected earnings in the fourth quarter of 2010, we expect cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures to be approximately $200 million for 2010.

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Other than the matters discussed in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our 2009 Form 10-K or as otherwise discussed herein, we are not aware of any current trends, events, demands, commitments, or uncertainties that reasonably can be expected to have a material impact on our capital resources or liquidity.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, judgments, and assumptions, and bases its estimates, judgments, and assumptions on historical experience, current trends, and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. See note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2009 Form 10-K for additional information about our accounting policies.

The estimates, judgments, and assumptions that have a higher degree of inherent uncertainty and require the most significant judgments are outlined in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2009 Form 10-K. Had we used estimates, judgments, and assumptions different from any of those discussed in our 2009 Form 10-K, our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity for the current period could have been materially different from those presented.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to market risk from exposure to changes in interest rates on investments that we make from time to time and on borrowings under the 2009 Credit Agreement. An increase or decrease of 1% in interest rates would not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

No response is required under Item 103 of Regulation S-K. For a discussion of certain litigated matters, see note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

During the third quarter of 2010, there were no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2009 Form 10-K.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(In thousands, except price per share data)

Period	(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)		(b) Average Price Paid per Share		(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
August 1, 2010 - August 28, 2010		2,944	$	31.09		2,944	$	74,644
August 29, 2010 - September 25, 2010		534		31.47		534		57,832
September 26, 2010 - October 30, 2010		-		-		-		57,832
Total		3,478	$	31.15		3,478	$	57,832

(1)

The 2010 Repurchase Program is comprised of a December 2009 authorization by our Board of Directors for the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of our common shares and a March 2010 authorization by our Board of Directors for the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our common shares. The 2010 Repurchase Program will continue until exhausted. Since inception of the 2010 Repurchase Program, we have invested $342.2 million in share repurchases.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits marked with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith. The Exhibit marked with two asterisks (**) is furnished electronically with this Quarterly Report.

Exhibit No.

Document

31.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101**

XBRL Instance Document.

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: December 8, 2010

	BIG LOTS, INC.

	By: /s/ Joe R. Cooper

	Joe R. Cooper
	Executive Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)