Big Lots Closes Doors

Shoppers from Colton and Grand Terrace will now have to travel to nearby San Bernardino if they want to shop at Big Lots. The broadline closeout retail giant's Colton location, situated in the aptly nicknamed Big Lots Shopping Center on East Washington Street near the Colton/Grand Terrace border, permanently closed its doors on Tuesday, Jan. 14. No commentary was given at the corporate level, but store manager Tim Vargas, who's managed the store for the last year, explained the store's closing was due to an expired and non-renewed lease. Visible to drivers even as they cross the bridge that connects East Washington Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue, the Big Lots store has been open to the community now for several years. San Bernardino County public records show the store opened in 2003. The Big Lots - which sold products including food items, housewares, toys, electronics, clothing, tools, gifts and even furniture - garnered a reputation among in- and out-of-town shoppers for its cleanliness and customer service. Yelp user Christina M., from Moreno Valley, left this review: "(The) store is clean and (it's) easy to find what you need. They have a great furniture department. The staff is also very nice and helpful. I live close to the Moreno Valley one but will take the drive here for better customer service!" Before closing the store had a blowout clearance sale, with items marked down to as much as 70 percent off original price. All store employees, explained manager Vargas, will be transferred to other Big Lots store locations.