Big Lots AI Adoption Tracker
Last updated: August 9, 2026
Overview
Big Lots has limited publicly visible AI initiatives compared to other major retailers. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024[1] and has been focused on financial restructuring rather than technology investments. While Big Lots has implemented some basic digital tools, including partnerships with Sitecore for e-commerce personalization that resulted in a 25% increase in site revenue[2], and supply chain optimization solutions from vendors like RELEX[3], Tango Analytics[4], and Logility[5], these represent foundational retail technology rather than cutting-edge AI innovations. The company's primary focus has been on its transformation strategy called 'Project Springboard' to increase extreme bargain merchandise penetration[6] rather than AI-driven initiatives.
- [1] Is Big Lots' transformation plan enough to save it?
- [2] Big Lots increases overall site revenue by 25% after implementing Full Page Search and Product Listing Pages
- [3] Customer Story: Big Lots by Johan Hoover
- [4] Tango Helps Big Lots Predict Post-Pandemic Needs with Extended Partnership
- [5] Big Lots – where speed equals savings
- [6] Form 10-K for BIG Lots INC filed 04/18/2024
AI Maturity Index
Radar Comparison
Peer Comparison: Big Lots vs retail
Based on 41 companies in sector
| Dimension | Big Lots | Sector Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption | 2.0 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| Proficiency | 2.0 | 3.2 | -1.2 |
| Impact | 3.0 | 3.3 | -0.3 |
| Overall | 2.4 | 3.3 | -0.9 |
Key Metrics
AI Initiatives
Sitecore Discover Implementation
Pre-2025
Implemented AI-powered search and product recommendation system to personalize online shopping experience
Deployed full-page search, product recommendations, and category pages with personalized experiences. System provides real-time product suggestions based on shopper intent and enables automated merchandising
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Lots uses Sitecore Discover for AI-powered search and product recommendations, which has increased their site revenue by 25% and conversion rates by 23%.
The company uses RELEX's AI-driven demand forecasting and RELEX solutions for automated replenishment planning across their 1,400+ stores, processing 50 million store/SKU transactions per evening.
No, Big Lots filed for bankruptcy in September 2024 and has been focused on financial restructuring rather than new technology investments. Their current AI tools are primarily existing vendor solutions for basic retail operations.
Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024 due to financial difficulties, though some stores have since reopened under new ownership through acquisition by Variety Wholesalers.
Big Lots' AI adoption is limited compared to major retailers like Walmart or Target. Their focus has been on basic supply chain optimization and e-commerce personalization rather than advanced AI initiatives.
In Application
| Application | Vendor | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Sitecore Discover | Sitecore | E-commerce search personalization and product recommendations |
| RELEX Solutions | RELEX | Demand forecasting and automated replenishment planning |
| Tango Predictive Analytics | Tango Analytics | Real estate strategy and store performance prediction |
Sources
Is Big Lots' transformation plan enough to save it?
Big Lots increases overall site revenue by 25% after implementing Full Page Search and Product Listing Pages
Customer Story: Big Lots by Johan Hoover
Tango Helps Big Lots Predict Post-Pandemic Needs with Extended Partnership
Big Lots – where speed equals savings
Form 10-K for BIG Lots INC filed 04/18/2024
How Big Lots Improved On-Time Delivery by 20% using FourKites
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About AI Tracker
AI Tracker is a research project by Larridin, the AI execution intelligence platform.
Methodology: We analyze earnings calls, press releases, partnership announcements, and product documentation. All assessments are based solely on publicly available information—no private customer data is used.
Maturity Scoring: Each dimension is rated on a 4-tier scale (Nascent → Emerging → Scaling → Leading) based on evidence from public sources. Industry averages are computed as the median across all tracked companies in the sector.