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Ruskin's Big Lots Store Opens

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

A 20,000-square-foot Big Lots store opened at the Sun Point Shopping Center in Ruskin on Friday. The store carries food, seasonal products, house wares, furniture, toys and gifts at discounted prices and its merchandise includes new, name-brand items, products that underwent packaging changes, overruns and closeouts.

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By LOIS KINDLE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 16, 2008

RUSKIN - You could tell something out of the ordinary was going on by the Sun Point Shopping Center parking lot, which was overflowing with cars.

The onslaught of cars and people was because the new Big Lots officially opened at 9 a.m. Friday at 3048 College Ave. E.

The 20,000-square-foot store carries food, seasonal products, house wares, furniture, toys and gifts at discounted prices. The merchandise includes new, name-brand items, products that underwent packaging changes, overruns and closeouts.

"This is an exciting day for Ruskin shoppers," said Jeff Sites, Big Lots' West Central Florida district manager. "Everybody loves to bag a bargain and that's just what you'll find here."

Ruskin resident Cindy Beasley checked out the bargains during the retailer's soft opening Thursday.

"Ever since I saw the sign go up I've been waiting for this new store to open," she said while walking up and down the fully stocked aisles. "It's nice to have somewhere else to shop in Ruskin, and [the store] looks great."

"I just took a chance it might be open," said Wimauma resident Mary Wheelock. "I had heard the store was going to open tomorrow [Friday] and I drove over to see where it was located. I'm excited because now I'll be able to get some things I can afford."

Sites said the store is one of three Big Lots that opened in Florida this week. The others are in Jacksonville and Orlando. The Ohio-based retailer now has more than 70 stores in the state and more than 1,300 nationwide.

"We're continuing to build our market share," he said. "All the demographics of this area indicated that Ruskin is a perfect spot for us. People here are looking for and need a great [bargain]."

As part of its grand-opening, the store donated a $2,500 check to Lennard High as a way to say thanks to the community for its warm welcome.

"We're very grateful for this generous gift," said school Principal Denny Oest. "We will use the money for academic and attendance incentives and to fund a college field trip."

"I'd like to say thanks to everyone in the community for making today a reality," Sites said.

GET TO KNOW

WHAT: Big Lots

WHERE: 3048 College Ave. E., Sun Point Shopping Center

GOODS: food, seasonal products, house wares, furniture, toys and gifts at discounted prices

STORE MANAGER: Ira Cohen

EMPLOYEES: 45

HOURS: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

INFORMATION: (813) 641-7349 or visit www.biglots.com

Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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