COLUMBUS, Ohio - Big Lots hopes cutting out the clutter will bring out more customers. <br>
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Some consumers have said its stores, which specialize in closeout merchandise, provide good value but appear too crowded and are hard to navigate because the aisles are too narrow. <br>
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At its two newest central Ohio stores, the aisles are wider and product organization has been improved, and there is more emphasis on brand-name products. <br>
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The stores, in suburban Dublin and the city of Delaware, also are in higher-income areas than most Big Lots outlets. <br>
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"Customers are saying the prices are better and we have more brands. The truth is that nothing is changed. It just looks better," said Big Lots Chairman Michael Potter. <br>
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If the new stores prove successful, the changes will show up in other stores throughout the nation, said officials of the Columbus-based company. <br>
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A new floor plan for the stores highlights their best deals near the entrance in an area with orange flooring. The wider aisles direct shoppers toward four categories of goods: clothing, food, housewares and furniture. <br>
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Brighter lighting, a customer-information kiosk and upgraded display fixtures complete the package of improvements. <br>
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"We wanted to heighten people's awareness that we do have brands," said Kent Larsson, Big Lots executive vice president. "But we have not changed our direction in any way." <br>
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The 1,300-store chain spruced up its existing stores last year, improving lighting and store cleanliness. Customer counts and sales have increased for five consecutive months. <br>
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