COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) is the exclusive sponsor of ABC Daytime's "The View from The Walt Disney Studios," to broadcast live March 9-13 from Disney Legends Plaza on the Walt Disney Studios lot. "The View" features Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Sherri Shepherd. "The View" is an original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues and share their no-holds-barred opinions.

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The branded entertainment deal includes unprecedented national exposure for Big Lots through ABC Daytime. Some of the stars scheduled to appear during the week include Miley Cyrus (Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana"), Jay Leno ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno"), Jimmy Kimmel (ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"), Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt ("The Hills"), and Sally Field and Calista Flockhart (ABC's "Brothers & Sisters").

Throughout the weeklong broadcast of "The View from The Walt Disney Studios," celebrity designer and television host Jennifer Farrell, a veteran of shows like "Merge" and "Find and Design," will provide tips on how to decorate affordably.

"We are delighted to be part of this highly anticipated TV event and to have this opportunity to showcase Big Lots, along with Jennifer Farrell, whom the public associates with tasteful, cost-conscious decorating," said Big Lots CEO Steve Fishman. Big Lots will also feature Farrell in connection with its May 2009 in-store Home Event, which offers a collection of upscale, affordable furnishings.

Rob Claxton, Big Lots' Senior VP of Marketing, noted that the sponsorship is a natural fit with the company's predominantly female customer base. "'The View' is a show our core customer is watching," said Claxton. "The tips from Jennifer will be of particular interest to our customers who, in this tough economic period, are spending more time in their homes and trying to make their dollars go further."

About Big Lots, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) is a Fortune 500 company with more than 1,300 stores in 47 states. As the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, Big Lots offers consumers a wide range of bargain-priced merchandise, including brand-name closeouts, seasonal products, consumables, furniture, housewares, toys, and gifts. The Company also sells merchandise via the internet at www.biglots.com and through its wholesale operations which are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and http://www.biglotswholesale.com

SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.