Big Lots recognized for advancing women's leadership in the boardroom

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11/10/2021 - 01:00 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG), one of the largest neighborhood discount retailers in the U.S., celebrated the advancement of women on corporate boards and was honored for its boardroom representation at the Women's Forum of New York's 2021 Breakfast of Corporate Champions.

"We salute Big Lots for their impressive success to achieve greater gender balance in their corporate boardroom," said Breakfast of Corporate Champions Founder and Chair, Janice Reals Ellig, CEO, The Ellig Group. "As part of the Women's Forum of New York's ongoing Corporate Board Initiative, we're proud to honor Big Lots as an important member of the 2021 class of Corporate Champions who are determined to lead the way."

The Nov. 10 event recognized 243 large public companies with at least 35% of board seats held by women. Big Lots was one of 44 large public companies with female board representation of 50% or more.

"We see gender diversity in our boardroom as a strategic advantage," said Bruce Thorn, president and CEO of Big Lots. "We believe that diverse perspectives across all aspects of our business make us stronger, and bring us closer to our customers, associates, and communities. Every difference makes a difference. It's just smart business for us to build that into how we operate every day and at every level."

Women make up roughly 70% of Big Lots customers and a majority of the company's more than 35,000 associates across the U.S. As part of its overall diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, the company has an employee resource group dedicated to women, where ideas and opportunities related to personal development, cultural belonging, and the company's future growth strategies are reviewed on a regular basis.

"We're proud of the diversity, equity and inclusion work that we're doing, but there's always more work to be done," Thorn added. "We'll continue to seek opportunities to amplify diverse perspectives and lift up under-represented populations."

About Big Lots
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) is a neighborhood discount retailer and a Fortune 500 company, operating 1,421 stores in 47 states, as well as a best-in-class ecommerce platform with expanded capabilities via BOPIS, curbside pickup, Instacart and same day delivery. The company's product assortment is focused on home essentials: Furniture, Seasonal, Soft Home, Food, Consumables and Hard Home. Ranked #1 on Total Retail's 2020 Top 100 Omnichannel Retailers list and the recipient of Home Textiles Today's 2021 Retail Titan Award, Big Lots' mission is to help people Live BIG and Save Lots. The company strives to be the BIG difference for a better life by delivering exceptional value to customers through the ultimate treasure hunt shopping experience, building a "best places to grow" culture, rewarding shareholders with consistent growth and top-tier returns, and doing good in local communities. For more information about the company, visit biglots.com.