You know that feeling when you walk into a store just for paper towels and walk out with a velvet ottoman, three bags of pumpkin spice coffee, and a patio set you didn't know you needed? That is the quintessential Saraland shopping experience. Specifically, it's what happens at the Big Lots in Saraland.
Located right there on Saraland Boulevard South, it’s a bit of a local landmark for anyone living in the North Mobile area. Honestly, if you grew up around here or moved to the "Gateway to Progress" recently, you've definitely used that parking lot as a landmark. It’s nestled in the Saraland Shopping Center, a spot that has seen businesses come and go, but Big Lots remains a constant.
It’s weirdly reliable.
But here is the thing about Big Lots that most people don't actually realize: it isn't just a "dollar store" on steroids. While the company has faced some massive corporate headwinds lately—talking about those 2024 and 2025 financial restructuring headlines—the Saraland location continues to be a hub for people who want to furnish a house without taking out a second mortgage.
The Reality of Big Lots in Saraland Right Now
Let's address the elephant in the room. You’ve probably seen the news about Big Lots filing for Chapter 11 and closing hundreds of stores across the country. It’s been a rough ride for the Ohio-based retailer. But as of early 2026, the Saraland location has managed to stay in the "open" column while other Alabama locations took the hit.
Why? It’s basically about the foot traffic.
Saraland is booming. With the high school doing well and new subdivisions popping up toward Celeste Road, people need stuff. They need rugs. They need those giant seasonal skeletons that appear in August. The Saraland store serves a massive radius, pulling in people from Satsuma, Creola, and even folks driving down from Citronelle who don’t want to fight the traffic deeper into Mobile.
The store layout is pretty classic. You’ve got your consumables on the right, the "fun" seasonal stuff right in the front to bait you, and the furniture department looming in the back. If you’ve ever tried to buy a couch at a high-end furniture gallery in Mobile, you know the sticker shock is real. In Saraland, you can actually sit on a Serta sofa, check the price tag, and not feel like you’re being robbed.
What Actually Sells at the 1020 Saraland Blvd S Location
It’s the furniture, honestly.
I’ve talked to people who swear by their Broyhill sectionals. Broyhill used to be a standalone premium brand, but Big Lots bought the name, and now it’s their "luxury" line. It’s decent quality for the price point. If you’re a college student at USA or a young family starting out in a new build off Bayou Sara Avenue, this is where you go.
Then there is the "Lot Closeouts" section. This is where the hunt happens. You might find name-brand detergents, overstock snacks from brands you recognize, or weirdly specific kitchen gadgets.
- Furniture: Sofas, recliners, and those surprisingly sturdy dining sets.
- Seasonal: This store goes hard on Christmas and Halloween.
- Home Decor: Rugs that look way more expensive than $80.
- The Pantry: Random organic snacks that ended up here because the original retailer ordered too many.
Why Locals Choose Saraland Over the Mobile Locations
If you live in Saraland, you avoid the Beltline at all costs. That’s just a rule of life. Driving to the Big Lots on Airport Blvd or over by the mall is a chore.
The Saraland Big Lots feels... manageable. The staff usually recognizes the regulars. There’s a specific kind of Southern hospitality that exists in retail in smaller towns that you just don't get in the city. You’ll see neighbors catching up in the aisle where they keep the discounted K-cups. It’s a social hub in a weird, unintentional way.
Also, the stock is different. Because the Saraland store has a different demographic—lots of homeowners with yards—their outdoor living section is usually better stocked than the more urban locations. If you’re looking for a fire pit or a gazebo, the Saraland stockroom usually has your back.
The Budget Factor
Inflation has been a nightmare for everyone. We’re all feeling it. When the price of eggs went up, people started looking at Big Lots for their canned goods and cleaning supplies. You can get a gallon of off-brand glass cleaner for a fraction of what the big-box grocery stores charge.
🔗 Read more: Why the Countdown to December 20 is Sparking So Much Chaos This Year
Is everything a deal? No.
You have to be smart. Sometimes the "deal" is only a few cents cheaper. But on the big-ticket items? That’s where the Saraland Big Lots wins. They have a lease-to-own program (through Progressive Leasing) that a lot of local families use to get beds or appliances when they’re in a pinch. It’s not for everyone, but for a lot of people in our community, it’s a vital service.
Navigating the Store Like a Pro
If you want the best stuff, you have to know when the truck arrives. Usually, new inventory hits the floor mid-week. If you go on a Saturday afternoon, the "good" closeouts are probably already in someone else's cart.
- Check the "Open Box" furniture. Sometimes a floor model has a tiny scratch that you can hide with a throw pillow, and they’ll knock 20-30% off the price.
- Join the Big Rewards program. I know, another loyalty card. But they actually send out 20% off entire purchase coupons pretty regularly. On a $600 couch, that's $120. That's real money.
- Don't skip the "International" food aisle. You can find some weirdly great spices and oils there that you won't find at the local Publix.
Common Misconceptions About the Saraland Branch
A lot of people think that because Big Lots is a "discount" store, the quality is junk. That’s not really fair. It’s "lifestyle" furniture. It’s meant to be used. It might not be an heirloom piece you pass down for three generations, but it’ll survive a couple of kids and a dog for five to seven years.
Another myth: "It's always messy." Honestly, the Saraland team does a pretty good job. Compared to some of the locations I've seen in other states, the aisles here are usually clear. The gardening section outside can get a little chaotic during the spring rush, but that's just the nature of the beast when everyone is trying to buy mulch at the same time.
The Future of Big Lots in Our Area
With the retail landscape shifting toward online shopping, Big Lots has leaned heavily into their "treasure hunt" vibe. You can’t really replicate the feeling of finding a random, high-end espresso machine for $40 on a website. You have to be there.
The Saraland location is part of the city's commercial backbone. As long as Saraland keeps growing—and with the new medical facilities and school expansions, it certainly is—the demand for affordable home goods isn't going anywhere.
We’ve seen the Sears close. We’ve seen other brands vanish. But Big Lots feels like it’s dug its heels in. It fits the Saraland vibe: practical, unpretentious, and focused on value.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're heading out to the Saraland Shopping Center this week, keep these things in mind to actually save money and avoid the headache of a "bad buy."
- Measure your space twice. The furniture at Big Lots often looks smaller in the giant warehouse-style showroom than it does in a standard Saraland ranch-style living room. Don't eyeball it.
- Check the expiration dates. On the food closeouts, sometimes things are close to their "best by" date. It’s fine for crackers, maybe less fine for dairy-based sauces.
- Download the app before you get to the register. The cell service inside the back of the store can be spotty, and you don't want to be that person holding up the line trying to load a coupon.
- Look at the "Big Buys" signage. These are items specifically negotiated for Big Lots. They aren't closeouts; they are custom orders. Usually, these have the best warranty options.
Whether you're looking for a new patio set for your backyard or just a cheap bag of pretzels, the Big Lots in Saraland remains a staple. It’s not fancy, but it works. And in this economy, "it works" is exactly what most of us are looking for.
Go on a Tuesday morning if you can. It’s quiet, the shelves are freshly stocked, and you can actually browse the furniture without ten other people trying to sit on the same recliner. Plus, the parking is way easier.