Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(m)

                                    BIG LOTS

                             EXECUTIVE BENEFIT PLAN

                             EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2002

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         This booklet is a Summary Plan Description. It is intended to explain
the benefits provided by the Big Lots Executive Benefit Plan. Your rights and
benefits are determined in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, and your
coverage is effective only if you are eligible for coverage and become and
remain covered in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

         The benefits described in this booklet replace the coverage or benefits
described in all booklets, certificates and riders previously issued to you by
Big Lots, Inc. that describe similar types of benefits.

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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                                                                 PAGE
<S>                                                              <C>
Introduction.................................................      i

Schedule of Benefits.........................................      1

Eligibility and Effective Date of Coverage...................      2

Coverage For Certain Events..................................      5

Individual Termination of Coverage...........................      7

COBRA Continuation Coverage..................................      8

Executive Benefit Plan.......................................     11

Benefits Paid Under Other Plans..............................     12

Examples of Covered Items....................................     13

General Limitations..........................................     14

Glossary of Terms............................................     16

Coordination of Benefits With Group Plans and Medicare.......     25

Amendment, Modification or Termination.......................     28

Facility of Payment..........................................     28

Medical Case Management......................................     29

Right of Reimbursement.......................................     29

Claims Procedures............................................     30
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                                  INTRODUCTION

         The Executive Benefit Plan was designed to provide key executives and
their families with additional protection against the high cost of health care.
The Plan will reimburse 100% of all eligible medical, dental, and vision care
expenses not reimbursed under the Big Lots Executive Benefit Plan.

         In addition to providing valuable medical expense coverage, the Plan
represents an additional source of compensation. We are very pleased to provide
these types of benefits.

         Any questions about the Executive Benefit Plan should be directed to
the Director, Benefits and HRIS.

UNDER CURRENT IRS REGULATIONS, THE BENEFITS RECEIVED FROM THIS PLAN ARE TAXABLE
AS INCOME.

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                              SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS

                             EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2002

                    (ASSOCIATES AND ALL ELIGIBLE DEPENDENTS)

                         EXECUTIVE MEDICAL CARE BENEFITS

MAXIMUM BENEFIT PER BENEFIT YEAR
PER COVERED FAMILY UNIT..................................................$40,000

    Expenses for hospital and medical services and supplies are included for
coverage under this Plan only if they are necessary medical services as defined
herein.

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                   ELIGIBILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF COVERAGE

ELIGIBLE ASSOCIATE

         All regular full-time associates who have been approved as eligible by
Big Lots, Inc. as full Vice-Presidents and above are eligible to participate in
the Plan on the first day of full-time employment. The covered associate must
enroll for coverage in the Company's Comprehensive Medical and Dental Plan by
completing an Enrollment Form and agreeing to required contributions for that
coverage.

         All eligible associates who are enrolled on the effective date of the
Plan will be covered on that date, provide they are actively working. If an
associate becomes eligible for this coverage due to a promotion, this coverage
will then be effective on the date of the promotion.

         An associate who is not actively at work on his effective date of
coverage will not be covered until the date he returns to active employment. An
associate who is not actively at work because of medical disability or other
health conditions on his effective date of coverage, however, will NOT be
subject to the actively at work requirements.

EFFECTIVE DATE FOR BENEFIT CHANGES

         If an associate is hospital confined on the effective date of any
revision in Plan benefits, all charges incurred during that confinement will be
considered at the level of benefits in effect on the date his hospital
confinement commenced. If the associate is not actively at work due to medical
disability on the effective date of the revision in benefits but

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is NOT hospital confined, charges will be considered at the level of benefits in
effect on the date charges were incurred.

ELIGIBLE DEPENDENT

         Eligible dependents include the eligible associate's legal spouse,
unless divorced or legally separated, and all children under nineteen (19) years
of age, provided the children have never been married and are dependent upon the
eligible associate for support and maintenance. The term "children" shall
include:

         1)       Natural children and legally adopted children;

         2)       Children placed by court order in the associate's home pending
                  final adoption proceedings;

         3)       Step-children living with the eligible associate in a regular
                  parent-child relationship;

         4)       Other children for whom the eligible associate has legal
                  guardianship who are living with the eligible associate in a
                  regular parent-child relationship; and

         5)       Any child of an eligible associate covered under the Plan who
                  is determined to be an eligible dependent under a qualified
                  medical child support order (QMCSO) or a national medical
                  support notice (NMSN), as defined herein.

         In addition to the above, children will be considered as eligible
dependents from age nineteen (19) to age twenty-five (25) if they are attending
on a full-time basis an accredited high school, college, university or other
institution offering high school or post high school education, have never been
married, and are dependent upon the eligible associate for support and
maintenance.

         A child who is physically or mentally incapable of self-support upon
attaining the age limit may be considered as an eligible dependent while
remaining incapacitated, never having been married, and continuously covered
under the Plan. To continue coverage of a child under this provision, proof of
incapacity must be submitted to the Claims

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Administrator within thirty (30) days after the child's attainment of the age
limit. If approved, proof of continuing incapacity may be required from time to
time.

         Newborn children are eligible for coverage under the Plan from birth
(including hospital nursery charges and pediatric examinations for a healthy
newborn) provided that the associate has dependent coverage in effect at the
time of the child's birth or has elected dependent coverage within thirty (30)
days following birth of the child. The associate must notify the General Offices
within thirty (30) days following the birth of the child to add that child to
the Plan.

         The Plan will recognize a qualified medical child support order (QMCSO)
or a national medical support notice (NMSN), as defined, for purposes of
providing coverage to dependent children. Such order must be sent to the Plan
Administrator who will notify the eligible associate named in the order and each
alternate recipient (a child of an eligible associate who is recognized in the
QMCSO or NMSN as having the right to enroll in the Plan) that a medical child
support order (MCSO) has been received and the Plan procedures for determining
if it is a "qualified" MCSO. The Plan Administrator must notify each person
specified in the MCSO as to their eligibility for coverage and must allow the
alternate recipient to designate a representative to receive Plan
communications.

         The term "eligible dependent" shall not include anyone who is covered
as an eligible associate or any dependent child who has ever been married. Also,
if both parents are employed by the Company, children will be covered only as
dependents of one (1) parent.

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EFFECTIVE DATE FOR DEPENDENTS

         An eligible dependent who is enrolled after the effective date of this
Plan will become covered on the same date as the eligible associate or the date
such dependent is acquired, whichever is later.

                           COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN EVENTS

LAYOFF

         If an eligible non-exempt full-time associate is laid off, coverage
will terminate on the date layoff commences. Coverage will again become
effective the date the eligible associate returns to work following the layoff.
"COBRA Continuation Coverage" outlines continued coverage provisions.

MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE

         If an eligible associate is on a Company-approved medical leave of
absence, as certified by a physician, while covered under this Plan, coverage
may be continued for a maximum of twenty-six (26) weeks from the date the
medical leave of absence or short term disability commences, whichever
circumstance occurs first, subject to payment of any required contributions.
"COBRA Continuation Coverage" outlines continued coverage provisions.

MILITARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE

         If an eligible associate is on a military leave of absence, coverage
will continue for a maximum of thirty-one (31) days from the date of his leave
as provided under the terms of the Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and will be reinstated on the date the
eligible associate returns to work.

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PERSONAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE (NON-FMLA)

         If an eligible associate is granted a Company-approved personal leave
of absence, coverage may be continued for a maximum of ninety (90) days.

         This provision does not apply to any leave requested under the terms of
the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) as outlined below. Additional
coverage is available under the section entitled "COBRA Continuation Coverage".

FMLA LEAVE OF ABSENCE

         An unpaid leave of absence may be taken for a maximum of twelve (12)
weeks during any 12-month period under the group health plan by a covered
associate who has completed at least one year of employment and 1,250 hours with
the Company during the previous twelve (12) months.

         The Family and Medical Leave Act requires employers who have at least
fifty (50) associates within seventy-five (75) surface miles to provide unpaid,
job-protected leave at the same level of contribution required for the group
health plan prior to leave for the following reasons:

         1)       To care for a covered associate's child after birth, or for
                  placement for adoption or foster care;

         2)       To care for the covered associate's spouse, child, or parent
                  who has a serious health condition; or

         3)       For a serious health condition that renders the associate
                  unable to perform his job. This twelve-week continuation will
                  be included in the twenty-six (26) week continuation provided
                  under "Medical Leave of Absence."

         Certain kinds of PAID leave, including paid vacation, may be
substituted for unpaid leave. Also, any period of coverage provided for
disability under "COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN EVENTS" may run concurrently with this
FMLA leave.

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         A "serious health condition" is defined as an illness, injury,
impairment or physical or mental condition that involves:

         a)       Any period of incapacity or treatment connected with inpatient
                  care (i.e., an overnight stay) in a hospital, hospice, or
                  residential medical care facility;

         b)       Any period of incapacity requiring absence of more than three
                  (3) calendar days from work, school, or other regular daily
                  activities that also involves continuing treatment by (or
                  under the supervision of) a health care provider; or

         c)       Continuing treatment by (or under the supervision of) a health
                  care provider for a chronic or long-term health condition that
                  is incurable or so serious that, if not treated, would likely
                  result in a period of incapacity of more than three (3)
                  calendar days, and for prenatal care.

         The covered associate may be required to provide advance leave notice
and medical certification issued by a health care provider prior to leave.
Taking a leave may be denied if requirements are not met. The associate
ordinarily must provide thirty (30) days advance notice when the leave is
"foreseeable."

         An employer's obligation to maintain health coverage ends if required
contributions are more than thirty (30) days late. The Company may require
medical certification to support a request for leave because of a serious health
condition, and may require a second or third opinion (at the employer's expense)
as well as a fitness for duty report to return to work.

         The Human Resources Department should be contacted for additional
details on the Family and Medical Leave Act.

                       INDIVIDUAL TERMINATION OF COVERAGE

         The coverage of any covered person under the Plan shall terminate the
earliest of the following dates:

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         1)       The date of termination of the Plan, the date certain benefits
                  terminate, or the date the associate is no longer an eligible
                  associate;

         2)       The date a covered person becomes a full-time member of the
                  Armed Forces of any country, except as specifically provided
                  under "COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN EVENTS";

         3)       The beginning of a period of coverage for which any required
                  contribution is not paid;

         4)       The date an active covered associate or his eligible covered
                  dependent spouse elects Medicare as the primary plan of
                  benefits;

         5)       The date a covered associate's employment terminates, except
                  as provided under the previous section entitled "COVERAGE FOR
                  CERTAIN EVENTS" and as outlined under "COBRA CONTINUATION
                  COVERAGE";

         6)       With respect to a covered dependent, the date coverage
                  terminates for the covered associate or the date such
                  dependent no longer meets the qualifications of an eligible
                  dependent, except as outlined under "COBRA CONTINUATION
                  COVERAGE."

                           COBRA CONTINUATION COVERAGE
                (CONSOLIDATED OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT)

         A covered associate and/or any covered dependent may elect to continue
coverage under the Plan at his own expense for up to eighteen (18) months from
the date of one of the following qualifying events:

         a)       Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment of the
                  covered associate (other than for gross misconduct);

         b)       A layoff or approved leave of absence of the covered
                  associate; or

         c)       A reduction in work hours for the covered associate.

         Coverage must be elected within sixty (60) days from the later of the
date coverage terminates or the date written notice of the right to elect
continuation coverage is sent. Payment for the cost of continuation coverage is
due by the first of the month for each month of coverage, and coverage will
cease if the monthly payment is not received within thirty (30) days of the date
it was due. Payment for the full cost of coverage for the period

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from when coverage was lost through the date of election must be made within
forty-five (45) days after the election.

         ANY PERIOD OF COVERAGE PROVIDED UNDER COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN EVENTS,
EXCEPT FOR LAYOFF, APPROVED PERSONAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE OR FMLA LEAVE, SHALL BE
CREDITED TO THIS 18-MONTH CONTINUATION COVERAGE REQUIREMENT.

         A covered dependent may elect to continue coverage under the Plan at
his own expense for up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) months from the date of
one of the following qualifying events:

         a)       The death of the covered associate;

         b)       Loss of eligibility as a covered dependent as defined in the
                  Plan;

         c)       Divorce or legal separation of the covered associate;

         d)       The covered associate becoming entitled to primary Medicare
                  benefits; or

         e)       A filing for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy
                  Code by the Company in the case of a surviving spouse and/or
                  dependent child(ren) of a deceased retired associate.

         Coverage must be elected within sixty (60) days from the later of the
date coverage terminates or the date written notice of the right to elect
continuation coverage is sent. Payment for the cost of continuation coverage is
due by the first of the month for each month of coverage, and coverage will
cease if the monthly payment is not received within thirty (30) days of the date
it was due. Payment for the full cost of coverage for the period from when
coverage was lost through the date of election must be made within forty-five
(45) days after the election.

         The covered associate or dependent is responsible for notifying the
Company within sixty (60) days of the events outlined in items "b" and "c"
above. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the covered dependent's right
to elect COBRA continuation coverage.

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         A child who is born to or placed for adoption with the covered
associate during a period of COBRA coverage will be eligible to become covered
as a dependent. In accordance with the terms of the Plan and federal law
requirements, these new dependents may be added to COBRA coverage upon proper
notification to the Plan Administrator of the birth or adoption.

COBRA DISABILITY CONTINUATION

         Covered associates and dependents entitled to elect continuation
coverage outlined above, as a result of an associate's termination of employment
or reduction in hours, may extend their coverage from eighteen (18) to
twenty-nine (29) months if the covered associate or dependent is disabled (as
defined under Title II or Title XVI of the Social Security Act) at the time of
employment termination or reduction in hours or within the first sixty (60) days
of COBRA Continuation Coverage. The covered associate or dependent must notify
the Personnel Office within sixty (60) days of the Social Security disability
determination and before the end of the normal eighteen (18) month coverage
period. Beginning with the nineteenth month, the cost of the continuation
coverage will increase by 50%.

         The covered associate or dependent is also responsible for notifying
the Company within thirty (30) days after a final determination has been made by
Social Security that the covered person is no longer disabled. Continuation
coverage may be terminated on the first day of the month that is more than
thirty (30) days after the final determination that the covered person is no
longer disabled or on the date the individual becomes entitled to Medicare
benefits, if sooner.

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TERMINATION OF COBRA COVERAGE

         Any COBRA continuation coverage made available above will cease if:

         a)       The Company no longer provides group health coverage to any of
                  its associates;

         b)       After payment has begun, a covered associate or dependent
                  fails to make the full payment when due or within the 30-day
                  grace period allowed by law;

         c)       The covered associate or dependent becomes entitled to
                  Medicare after COBRA coverage has been elected. However,
                  coverage for dependents not eligible for Medicare will not
                  cease but will instead be extended for up to an additional
                  eighteen (18) months or thirty-six (36) months total from the
                  date of the original loss of coverage if due to termination or
                  a reduction in hours. COBRA coverage may be added if Medicare
                  coverage was in effect for the covered person prior to the
                  COBRA qualifying event;

         d)       The covered associate or dependent becomes covered (as an
                  associate or otherwise) under another group health plan after
                  COBRA coverage herein has been elected, unless that plan
                  contains any exclusion or limitation in regard to a
                  pre-existing condition that is not waived by reason of prior
                  Creditable Coverage (HIPAA).

         The Plan Administrator should be contacted for additional details
concerning COBRA continuation coverage.

                             EXECUTIVE BENEFIT PLAN

         Benefits are payable under this Plan for eligible health care expenses
incurred by a covered person while covered under this Plan. Eligible health care
expenses are expenses incurred by a covered person in excess of benefits paid
under other plans during the benefit year as explained below. The amount of a
covered associate's and his dependent's health care expenses shall not exceed
the Maximum Family Benefit shown in the Schedule of Benefits during any calendar
year.

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ELIGIBLE HEALTH CARE

         Eligible health care expenses include expenses of medical care (as
defined and as allowed as a deduction by Section 213 of the Internal Revenue
Service Code of 1954, as amended) incurred by the covered person or for which
the covered person becomes obligated on behalf of his dependents. Medical care,
as defined by the IRS under Section 213, means:

         a)       Amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention
                  of illness or for the purpose of affecting any structure or
                  function of the body; and

         b)       Amounts paid for transportation primarily for and essential to
                  such medical care.

         Contributions for the Company's Comprehensive Medical and Dental Plans,
however, and medical expenses that would be reimbursable or payable under the
Company's Comprehensive Medical Plan, the spouse's group health plan, group
dental and vision plans, Workers' Compensation and Dental Plans are not covered
under this Plan.

BENEFITS PAID UNDER OTHER PLANS

         Any benefits payable during a benefit year for a covered associate
and/or his dependents under the Company's Comprehensive Medical Plan, the
spouse's group health plan, group dental and vision plans, Workers' Compensation
and other governmental programs are considered benefits paid under other plans
and will not be eligible for payment under this Plan. Deductibles and
co-payments under these other plans, however, will be eligible for reimbursement
under this Plan, as will amounts exceeding maximums specified in the
Comprehensive Medical Plan.

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EXAMPLES OF COVERED ITEMS

         The following medical services, supplies, or expenses performed or
prescribed by a physician or surgeon licensed to practice medicine are some of
the items which will be considered for payment under this Plan. This list is not
intended to exclude other items of medical care that would be considered under
IRS Section 213.

         1)       Services of physicians and surgeons, including specialists and
                  midwives;

         2)       Medically necessary room and board and other hospital services
                  required for medical or surgical care or treatment in a
                  legally constituted hospital, including charges for
                  accommodation in intensive care and other special care units;

         3)       Oxygen, anesthesia and their administration;

         4)       X-rays and other diagnostic laboratory procedures;

         5)       Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and kidney dialysis;

         6)       Room and board charges by a Skilled Nursing Facility either
                  following a hospital confinement or when recommended by a
                  physician as medically necessary care;

         7)       Drugs and medicines, including vitamins and iron supplements
                  which:

                  a)       Require a prescription by a physician to dispense;
                           and

                  b)       Are approved by the United States Food and Drug
                  Administration for general use in treating the illness or
                  injury for which they are prescribed;

         8)       Dental services and supplies for charges made by or under the
                  supervision of a dentist in connection with preventive or
                  therapeutic dental care (including orthodontia);

         9)       Vision Care Expenses:

                  a)       Vision Examination - A vision examination only when
                  performed by a physician or optometrist;

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                  b)       Lens, Lenses - Lenses, including contact lenses and
                  lenses for sun glasses only when prescribed by a physician or
                  optometrist, and charges for oversize lenses and tinted
                  lenses;

                  c)       Frame - A frame only when such frame is for use with
                  a lens or set of lenses which is prescribed by a physician or
                  optometrist; and

                  d)       Radial keratotomy and any similar surgery to correct
                  vision defects.

         10)      Hearing aids and examinations for the prescription and fitting
                  thereof;

         11)      Charges for medically necessary transportation primarily for
                  and essential to medical care; and

         12)      Lodging while away from home primarily for and essential to
                  medical care, if:

                  a)       Medical care is provided by a physician in a licensed
                  hospital or in a facility which is related to, or the
                  equivalent of, a licensed hospital; and

                  b)       There is no significant element of personal pleasure,
                  recreation or vacation in the travel away from home.

                               GENERAL LIMITATIONS

         No benefits shall be payable under the Plan with respect to:

         1)       Any charges incurred due to injury or illness resulting from
                  or sustained as a result of being engaged in an illegal
                  occupation; commission or attempted commission of an assault
                  or felonious act;

         2)       Any charges incurred due to injury or illness resulting from
                  duty as a member of the Armed Forces of any state or country,
                  war or act of war, declared or undeclared;

         3)       Any service or supply for care or treatment provided or
                  furnished by the United States Government, or any service or
                  supply for care or treatment provided or furnished by any
                  state or local government when without this coverage the
                  associate would not be required to make payment, EXCEPT:

                  a)       Treatment rendered United States veterans for
                           non-service related injury or illness in Veterans
                           Administration hospitals; or

                  b)       Inpatient hospital charges for treatment rendered to
                           military retirees and their eligible dependents while
                           confined in a military hospital;

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         4)       Any charges incurred as the result of injury caused by
                  participation in civil insurrection or a riot;

         5)       Any charges incurred for illness or injury which would entitle
                  the covered person to any benefits under a Workers'
                  Compensation Act or similar legislation, or which are due to
                  any occupation or employment for wage or profit;

         6)       Any charges for cosmetic surgery, EXCEPT:

                  a)       As the result of an accidental injury;

                  b)       Due solely to cosmetic surgery for repair of defects
                           resulting from surgery and as outlined for mastectomy
                           under "All Other Covered Medical Expenses" under the
                           Comprehensive Medical Plan;

                  c)       Due solely to congenital defect of a covered
                           dependent child;

         7)       Any services or supplies which are not prescribed or
                  recommended by a physician acting within the scope of his
                  license;

         8)       Any charges incurred for pregnancy or pregnancy related
                  medical conditions EXCEPT for female associates and covered
                  female dependent spouses;

         9)       Any charges in connection with any treatment, therapy,
                  teaching technique or program for remedial education or
                  habilitative or rehabilitative training which is principally
                  intended to overcome, compensate for, or improve any
                  non-organic learning impairment;

         10)      Any charges for custodial or domiciliary care, rest cures,
                  convalescent care, a place for the aged, or charges for
                  education and training (including occupational or job related
                  training);

         11)      Any charges for services not medically necessary for the
                  active treatment of the condition, EXCEPT as specified;

         12)      Any charges for or in connection with experimental procedures
                  or treatment not approved by the American Medical Association
                  or the appropriate Medical Specialty Society;

         13)      Any charges for hospitalization to avoid incarceration or a
                  fine, EXCEPT when medically necessary;

                                       15

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         14)      Any charges incurred due to the second or additional
                  occurrences of an intentionally self-inflicted injury and any
                  attempts to commit suicide or complications arising out of the
                  attempt(s) unless due to a medical condition or domestic
                  violence;

         15)      Any charges for services and supplies provided through a
                  medical department, clinic or other facility provided by or
                  maintained by the employer, or a medical clinic or similar
                  facility for which services or supplies are or should be
                  available without charge to the covered person;

         16)      Any charges which the covered person has no legal obligation
                  to pay or for charges which would not have been made if the
                  person did not have coverage under this Plan; and

         17)      Any charges eligible for reimbursement under any group
                  pre-payment plan or any other group health or insurance plan.

                                GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ADVERSE BENEFIT DETERMINATION

         An Adverse Benefit Determination means any denial or failure to make
payment, in whole or in part, in response to a claim properly submitted to the
Claims Administrator, including determination of a person's eligibility to
participate in the Plan, any failure to provide or make payment due to
utilization review, and a denial of an item or service which is determined to be
experimental, investigational or not medically necessary.

ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT FACILITY

         An alcoholism treatment facility is a facility that::

         1)       Is approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
                  Healthcare Organizations or is certified by the Department of
                  Health;

         2)       Has in effect plans for utilization and peer review; and

         3)       Has in effect a program for detoxification or rehabilitation.

         "Residential alcoholism treatment facility" shall mean a facility as
herein defined that operates twenty-four (24) hours a day and seven (7) days a
week.

         "Outpatient alcoholism treatment facility" shall mean a facility as
herein defined that provides services to ambulatory patients during designated
hours and/or specified days.

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ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS

         An assignment of benefits is written authorization by the eligible
associate for the Claims Administrator to pay benefits directly to the provider
of service.

BENEFIT YEAR

         A benefit year is a period of twelve (12) consecutive months beginning
with December 1 and ending November 30th.

BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

         A board-certified specialist is a physician who holds the rank of
Diplomat of an American Board (M.D.) or Certified Specialist (D.O.).

CALENDAR YEAR

         A calendar year is a period of twelve (12) consecutive months beginning
with January 1 and ending December 31st.

CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR

         Employee Benefit Management Corp., a professional claims administrator,
administers the claims.

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

         A community mental health facility is a facility that:

         1)       Is approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
                  Healthcare Organizations or certified by the applicable State
                  Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation;

         2)       Is approved by a regional health planning agency or is
                  providing services under the applicable state statute; and

         3)       Has in effect a plan for utilization review and for peer
                  review.

COMPANY

         The Company is Big Lots, Inc. and any subsidiary or affiliate that has
elected to participate in the Trust.

COSMETIC SURGERY

         Cosmetic surgery is the surgical alteration for the improvement of the
covered person's appearance, rather than improvement or restoration of bodily
functions.

COVERED FAMILY

         A covered family is an eligible associate who is at the level of
Vice-President or above, who completes an Enrollment Form, his eligible
dependents, and any former

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covered associates and their dependents who have elected family COBRA
continuation coverage.

COVERED PERSON

         A covered person is an eligible associate who completes an Enrollment
Form, his eligible dependents, if the eligible associate elects dependent
coverage, and any former covered associates or dependents who have elected COBRA
continuation coverage.

CUSTODIAL CARE

         Custodial care means any type of service including room and board and
other institutional services which are designed essentially to assist the
covered person, whether disabled or not, in the activities of daily living. Such
services include assistance in walking or getting in and out of bed, bathing,
dressing, feeding, preparation of special diets or supervision over medication
that can normally be self-administered.

DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM

         A day treatment program is any outpatient treatment program accredited
by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations which is
recommended by the attending physician for treatment of mental illness, nervous
disorders, alcoholism or drug dependency and which takes place at least five (5)
days per week for a minimum of six (6) hours per day. Such program must be under
the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and may
include both individual and group therapy, as well as family counseling by
certified counselors if medically necessary, but shall not include any
diversional therapy, marital counseling or court-ordered care.

DENTAL HYGIENIST

         A dental hygienist is a person who is legally licensed to practice
dental hygiene in the state in which he performs dental services provided he is
acting within the scope of his license and is working under the supervision and
direction of a dentist.

DENTAL SERVICE

         Dental service includes care and procedures rendered by dentists for
diagnosis or treatment of dental disease, injury, or abnormality based on valid
dental need according to accepted standards of dental practice.

DENTIST

         A dentist is a person who is legally licensed to practice dentistry in
the state in which he performs dental services, provided he is acting within the
scope of his license.

EFFECTIVE DATE

         The original effective date of the Plan was June 1, 1989; this revision
is effective June 1, 2002.

                                       18

<PAGE>

ELECTIVE SURGERY

         Elective surgery is any non-emergency surgical procedure which may be
scheduled at the convenience of the patient without jeopardizing the patient's
life or causing serious impairment to the patient's bodily functions.

EXPERIMENTAL, INVESTIGATIONAL OR UNPROVEN

         Experimental, investigational or unproven care means medical, surgical,
psychiatric, substance abuse, or other health care technologies, treatment,
diagnostic procedures, drug therapies or devices that are determined by the Plan
(at the time it makes a determination regarding coverage in a particular case )
to be:

         1)       Not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to
                  be lawfully marketed for the proposed use;

         2)       Subject to review and approval by the treating facility's
                  Institutional Review Board for the proposed use; or

         3)       The subject of an ongoing clinical trial that meets the
                  definition of a Phase 1, 2 or 3 Clinical Trial set forth in
                  the FDA regulations regardless of whether the trial is
                  actually subject to FDA oversight; or

         4)       Not demonstrated through prevailing peer-reviewed medical
                  literature to be safe and effective for treating or diagnosing
                  the condition, illness or diagnosis for which its use is
                  proposed.

FREE-STANDING SURGICAL OR EMERGENCY CARE FACILITY

         A free-standing surgical or emergency care facility is a facility which
is constituted, licensed and operated in accordance with the laws of legally
authorized agencies responsible for medical institutions and which:

         1)       Has emergency facilities and/or permanent operating rooms and
                  at least one (1) recovery room and all necessary equipment for
                  use before, during, and after surgery;

         2)       Is supervised by an organized medical staff, including
                  registered nurses (R.N.) available for care in an operating or
                  recovery room;

         3)       Has a contract with at least one (1) nearby hospital for
                  immediate acceptance of patients who require hospital care
                  following care in the free-standing surgical or emergency care
                  facility; and

         4)       Is other than a private office or clinic of one (1) or more
                  doctors.

HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY

         A home health care agency is a public or private agency or
organization, or a subdivision thereof that:

         1)       Is primarily engaged in providing skilled nursing and other
                  therapeutic services;

                                       19

<PAGE>

         2)       Has policies established by associated professional personnel,
                  including one (1) or more physicians and one (1) or more
                  registered nurses (R.N.) to govern the services provided under
                  the supervision of such physician or nurse;

         3)       Maintains clinical records on all patients; and

         4)       In cases where the applicable state or local law provides for
                  the licensing of agencies or organizations of this nature, the
                  latter are licensed or approved by the state or local law as
                  meeting the standards established for such licensing.

         In no event, will the term "home health care agency" include one that
is engaged primarily in the care and treatment of mental illness or provides
primarily custodial care.

HOME HEALTH CARE AIDE

         A home health care aide is an individual who provides medical or
therapeutic care and who reports to and is under the direct supervision of a
home health care agency.

HOME HEALTH CARE PLAN

         A home health care plan is a plan for home care and treatment
established and approved in writing by a physician who certifies that the
individual would require confinement in lieu of the care and treatment specified
in the Plan.

HOSPICE

         A hospice is a facility which is engaged primarily in providing hospice
services to terminally ill persons and which meets all the requirements set
forth below:

         1)       It has obtained any required state or government certificate
                  of need approval;

         2)       It is under the supervision of a duly qualified physician;

         3)       It provides twenty-four (24) hour a day, seven (7) day a week
                  service;

         4)       It has a full-time administrator;

         5)       It has a nurse coordinator who is a registered nurse (R.N.)
                  with four (4) years of full-time clinical experience, at least
                  two (2) of which involved caring for terminally ill patients;

         6)       It has a social-service coordinator licensed in the
                  jurisdiction where located;

         7)       It maintains written records of services on all patients;

         8)       It is established and operated in accordance with the
                  applicable laws in the jurisdiction where located, is licensed
                  and approved by the regulatory authority having responsibility
                  for licensing under the law; and

         9)       Its employees are bonded and it provides malpractice and
                  malplacement insurance.

                                       20

<PAGE>

HOSPITAL

         A hospital is an institution which is engaged primarily in providing
medical care and treatment of sick and injured persons on an inpatient basis at
the patient's expense and which meets all the requirements set forth below:

         1)       It maintains permanent and full-time facilities for bed care
                  of resident patients;

         2)       It maintains, on the premises, diagnostic and therapeutic
                  facilities for surgical and medical diagnosis and treatment of
                  sick and injured persons by or under the supervision of a
                  staff of duly qualified physicians;

         3)       It continuously provides, on the premises, twenty-four (24)
                  hour a day nursing service by or under the supervision of
                  registered graduate nurses; and

         4)       It is operated continuously with organized facilities for
                  operative surgery on the premises and is operating lawfully as
                  a hospital in the jurisdiction where located. However, the
                  requirements of facilities for surgery shall not apply to an
                  acute rehabilitation facility or to a qualified psychiatric
                  institution.

         The term "hospital" may also include a free-standing surgical or
emergency care facility but does not include a hotel, rest home, nursing home,
convalescent home, or facility for custodial care of the mentally ill or of the
aged.

ILLNESS

         An illness is a mental or physical disease or infirmity. For the
purpose of coverage under this Plan, pregnancy and pregnancy related medical
conditions will be treated the same as an illness.

INJURY

         An injury is a non-occupational accidental injury that causes trauma to
the body through unexpected external means.

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT PROGRAM

         An intensive outpatient treatment program is any outpatient treatment
program accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations which is recommended by the attending physician for treatment of
mental illness, nervous disorders, alcoholism or drug dependency, which takes
place at least three (3) but not more than five (5) evenings per week for a
minimum of three (3) hours per evening. Such program must be under the direct
supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and may include both
individual and group therapy, as well as family counseling by certified
counselors if medically necessary, but shall not include any diversional
therapy, marital counseling or court-ordered care.

                                       21

<PAGE>

MEDICAL CHILD SUPPORT ORDER

         A medical child support order (MCSO) is any court judgment, decree, or
order (including a court's approval of a domestic relations settlement
agreement) that:

         1)       Provides for child support related to health benefits with
                  respect to the child of a group health plan participant, or
                  requires health benefit coverage of such child in such plan,
                  and is ordered under state domestic relations law, or

         2)       Enforces a state medical child support law enacted under Sec.
                  1908 of the Social Security Act with respect to a group health
                  plan.

MIDWIFE

         According to the International Confederation of Midwives, World Health
Organization, and Federation of International Gynecologists and Obstetricians, a
midwife means a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery
educational program, is fully recognized in the country in which it is located,
has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery, and
has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally
licensed to practice midwifery.

NATIONAL MEDICAL SUPPORT NOTICE

         A national medical support notice (NMSN) is a notice completed under an
order issued by a state child support agency and is acceptable under ERISA in
lieu of a Qualified Medical Child Support Order for adding a child under the
Plan for medical and/or other coverage and which contains one or more of the
following:

         1)       The name of the issuing agency;

         2)       The name and mailing address of an employee who is a
                  participant in the Plan and eligible for participation under
                  the Plan, who is a non-custodial parent obligated by a State
                  court or administrative order to provide medical child support
                  for one or more children named in the Notice;

         3)       The name and mailing address of one or more alternate
                  recipient(s); and 4) The family group health care coverage
                  required by the order is identifies and available.

         The employer must transfer Part B of the notice to the Plan
Administrator within twenty (20) business days, and the Plan Administrator must
complete and return the notice to the issuing agency within twenty (20) business
days of receipt of the NMSN. Notification will be sent to the custodial and/or
non-custodial parent whose coverage is the basis of the NMSN and from whom any
necessary employee contributions will be withheld as determined under Part A of
the notice.

                                       22

<PAGE>

NECESSARY MEDICAL SERVICES

         Necessary medical services, procedures, or levels of care are those
health services, supplies or drug therapies which are determined by the Plan to
be medically necessary to meet the health needs of a covered person according to
the benefits available in this Summary Plan Description.

         Determination of necessary medical services is made on a case-by-case
basis and considers several factors including, but not limited to, the standards
of the medical community. The fact that a physician has performed or prescribed
a procedure or treatment, or the fact that it may be the only available
treatment of a particular injury or illness does not mean that it is medically
necessary. In addition, the service must, in the Plan's judgment be:

         1)       Consistent with the diagnosis of and prescribed course of
                  treatment for the covered person's injury or illness;

         2)       Necessary to treat the covered person's injury or illness;

         3)       Required for reasons other than the convenience of the covered
                  person or his physician, or not required for custodial,
                  comfort or maintenance reasons; and

         4)       Rendered at the frequency that is accepted by the medical
                  community and in accordance with the Plan's guidelines.

PHYSICIAN

         A physician is a person duly licensed under the governing authority to
perform the services rendered for benefits covered under the Plan. Should such
person be other than a Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), or
Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), and the licensing requirements of the
applicable jurisdiction require that such person be recognized as a provider to
the extent that he is performing services within the scope of his license, such
services will be recognized under the Plan.

PLAN

         The Plan means the benefits and provisions for payment of benefits as
set forth in the Big Lots Executive Benefit Plan adopted by the Trustees.

POST-SERVICE CLAIM

         A Post-Service Claim is any claim that is not a Pre-Service Claim. A
post-service claim includes a claim that contains re-priced claims amounts, if
applicable.

PRE-SERVICE CLAIM

         A Pre-Service Claim is any claim that relates to treatment that must be
pre-certified or pre-approved under the terms of the Plan.

                                       23

<PAGE>

QUALIFIED MEDICAL CHILD SUPPORT ORDER

         A qualified medical child support order (QMCSO) is an MCSO that
specifies:

         1)       The name and last known mailing address of the eligible
                  associate to whom the MCSO relates;

         2)       The name and address of each child of the eligible associate
                  ("alternate recipient") covered by the MCSO;

         3)       A reasonable description of the type of coverage to be
                  provided by the group health plan or the manner in which
                  coverage will be determined; and

         4)       The period for which coverage must be provided.

         In addition, the MCSO is "qualified" only if it does not require the
group health plan to provide any type or form of benefit, or any option, not
otherwise provided under the Plan, except to the extent required by law.

SECOND SURGICAL OPINION/THIRD SURGICAL OPINION

         A second (or third) surgical opinion is an opinion of a physician or
surgeon based on his examination of the patient, of the advisability of an
elective surgical procedure after another licensed physician has recommended
surgery, but prior to the performance of the surgery.

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY

         A skilled nursing facility is an institution or distinct part of an
institution which:

         1)       Is licensed pursuant to the law or approved by the appropriate
                  authority;

         2)       Provides twenty-four (24) hour nursing care for sick and
                  injured patients on an inpatient basis;

         3)       Has nursing care and service policies developed with the
                  advice of and subject to review by professional personnel;

         4)       Has a physician, registered nurse or other medical staff
                  responsible for the execution of such policies;

         5)       Requires every patient to be under the care of a physician and
                  makes a physician available to furnish medical care in case of
                  emergency;

         6)       Maintains clinical records on all patients, has appropriate
                  methods for dispensing drugs and medicines and has at least
                  one (1) registered nurse employed on a full-time basis; and

         7)       Provides for a group of physicians to periodically review
                  medical necessity for admissions, continuation of
                  confinements, duration of stay and adequacy of care.

         The term "skilled nursing facility" shall not include an institution
that is primarily for custodial care.

                                       24

<PAGE>

TOTALLY DISABLED

         Totally disabled means that the covered person is under the regular
care of a physician and is unable to perform any and every duty of his
occupation and is not employed for wage or profit. If the covered person is not
employed, totally disabled means that he is unable to perform any of the normal
activities of a person of like age and sex in good health.

URGENT CARE CLAIM

         An Urgent Care Claim is any claim for treatment that, if delayed, could
seriously jeopardize the life or health of the patient, would limit the ability
of the claimant to regain maximum function, or would subject the patient to
severe pain that could not be adequately managed without the treatment that is
the subject of the claim.

                            COORDINATION OF BENEFITS
                          WITH GROUP PLANS AND MEDICARE

         The Plan has been designed to help meet the cost of illness or injury.
Since it is not intended that greater benefits be received than the actual
medical expenses incurred, the amount of benefits payable under the Plan will
take into account any coverage under other Plans and be coordinated with the
benefits of the other Plans.

         The Plan will always pay either its regular benefits in full if it is
determined to be the Primary Plan (plan primarily responsible for payment) or,
if the Plan is determined to be the Secondary Plan, a reduced amount which, when
added to the benefits payable by the Primary Plan, will not exceed 100% of
Allowable Expenses.

         In no event, however, will payment exceed the maximum benefits payable
under this Plan.

PRIMARY PLAN

         Regardless of the rules set forth in other Plans covering persons
covered under this Plan, benefits shall be determined according to the following
rules in the following order:

                                       25

<PAGE>

         1)       The plan not having any Coordination of Benefits provision or
                  Non-Duplication Coverage Exclusion will always be the Primary
                  Plan; or

         2)       The plan covering the person as an associate, rather than the
                  plan covering the person as a dependent; or

         3)       The plan covering the person as an active associate will
                  always be the Primary Plan while the plan that covers the
                  covered associate who is laid-off or retired will be
                  secondary; this shall also apply to the covered dependents of
                  such associate; or

         4)       If a person whose coverage is provided under a right of
                  continuation pursuant to federal or state law also is covered
                  under another plan, the plan covering the person as an
                  associate, member, subscriber or retiree (or as that person's
                  dependent) will be the Primary Plan and the continuation
                  coverage will be secondary; or

         5)       The Primary Plan with regard to a dependent child shall be the
                  plan covering the person as a dependent child of the associate
                  (Parent), whose birthday occurs earlier in the calendar year.
                  If both parents have the same birthday, the Primary Plan is
                  the plan that has covered the parent for the longer period of
                  time. However, determination of the Primary Plan with respect
                  to a dependent child according to the associate's birthday
                  method will defer to the other plan in force when the other
                  plan does not follow the birthday method. The following
                  exception for dependent children of separated or divorced
                  parents shall apply:

                  a)       If parents are divorced or separated and there is a
                           court decree which establishes financial
                           responsibility for medical, dental, or other health
                           care expenses for the child, the Plan covering the
                           child of the parent who has that responsibility will
                           be primary;

                  b)       If there is no court decree, the Plan which covers
                           the child as a dependent of the parent with custody w
                           ill be primary;

                  c)       If there is no court decree and the parent with
                           custody has remarried, the order of benefits will be:

                           1)       The Plan of the parent with custody;

                           2)       The Plan of the spouse of the parent with
                                    custody;

                           3)       The Plan of the parent without custody.

                                       26

<PAGE>

         When the above rules do not apply, the Plan that has covered the person
(patient) for the longer period of time will be primary.

ALLOWABLE EXPENSES

         "Allowable Expenses" shall mean any necessary usual, customary and
reasonable (UCR) expenses incurred while eligible for benefits under the Plan,
part or all of which would be covered under any of the Plans, but not including
any expenses contained in the list of General Limitations. "Plan" shall mean any
Plan providing benefits or services for or by reason of medical or dental care
or treatment that is provided by group insurance, Medicare, no-fault auto
insurance or any other employer or government sponsored programs.

         With regard to any covered person eligible to elect Medicare except
those described in the next paragraph, Medicare benefits will be considered as
having been paid whether or not the covered person has applied for Medicare
coverage or submitted a claim for Medicare benefits. It is the covered person's
responsibility to apply for and maintain both Part A and Part B Medicare
coverage.

         With regard to an actively at work eligible associate age sixty-five
(65) or older, or an eligible covered dependent spouse of an active eligible
associate who is within the same age bracket, either of whom has elected in
writing to be covered under this Plan, the benefits of this Plan will be
primary.

         This Plan shall also be primary for military retirees and their
eligible dependents for inpatient hospital charges in military medical hospitals
as required by law and in

                                       27

<PAGE>

accordance with this Plan. The Claims Administrator shall have the right to
request and release any information that is necessary in order to determine the
primary plan.

                     AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION

         The Plan Administrator reserves the right to amend, modify, or
terminate any or all of the provisions of this Plan (including retroactively if
necessary or appropriate to meet statutory requirements) at any time. Amendment,
modification, or termination, however, shall not adversely affect the right of a
covered person to receive reimbursement for medical expenses incurred prior to
the date of such amendment, modification or termination.

                               FACILITY OF PAYMENT

         Benefits may be paid directly to the providers of services if a valid
assignment of benefits is executed.

         If, in the opinion of the Claims Administrator, a valid release cannot
be rendered for the payment of any benefit payable under this Plan, the Claims
Administrator may, at his option, make such payment to the individual or
individuals as are, in the Claims Administrator's opinion, equitably entitled
thereto. In the event of the death of the covered person prior to such time as
all benefit payments due him have been made, the Claims Administrator may, at
his sole discretion and option, honor benefit assignments, if any, made prior to
the death of such covered person.

         Any payment made by the Claims Administrator in accordance with the
above provisions shall fully discharge the Plan to the extent of such payment.

                                       28

<PAGE>

                             MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT

         Payments for expenses not covered under the Plan that are recommended
by a medical case management service shall be reimbursable with the approval of
the Plan Sponsor.

                             RIGHT OF REIMBURSEMENT

         In certain circumstances, a covered person (or the covered person's
heirs, executor or beneficiaries) may have an obligation to reimburse the Plan
for payments made to or on behalf of the covered person. In particular, if the
covered person is entitled to any benefits under the Plan as a result of an
injury or illness for which he or she has or may have any claim against a third
party, except against policies of insurance issued to and in the name of the
covered person, then payments made by the Plan are only made on the condition
that the Plan will be reimbursed to the extent of any amounts received from such
third party. It does not matter whether the amounts received from the third
party are as a result of a judgment rendered in a lawsuit, as a settlement of a
claim, or otherwise. The obligation to repay the Plan for benefits paid in such
a situation is not subject to any offset or reduction because the covered person
has had to pay legal fees or other expenses in securing the recovery from the
third party. In addition, the Plan's right to be repaid is enforceable
regardless of the purpose of the payment by the third party or how it is
characterized in any agreement or judgments between the covered person and the
third party.

         The Plan's right to be repaid is enforceable regardless of the purpose
of the payment by the third party or how it is characterized in any agreement or
judgments

                                       29

<PAGE>

between the covered person and the third party. In addition, the Plan is
entitled to full reimbursement irrespective of the "make whole" doctrine or
whether the covered person has been fully compensated for his or her claim.

         By filing a claim for benefits, all covered persons consent to this
right of reimbursement and agree to cooperate with the Plan Administrator and
the Claims Administrator in any way necessary to enable the Plan to be
reimbursed. Before any claims of this sort are paid, the covered person must
enter into a written reimbursement agreement with the Claims Administrator,
confirming the Plan's right to be reimbursed to the extent of any payments made
or to be made under the Plan. In addition, the covered person may not do
anything that would prejudice the rights of the Plan to this reimbursement, and
the payment of any claims to or on behalf of the covered person may be delayed,
withheld, or denied unless the covered person cooperates fully and enters into
the requested reimbursement agreement.

                                CLAIMS PROCEDURES

ADVERSE BENEFIT DETERMINATIONS AND APPEAL PROCEDURES

         If a benefit is denied in whole or part, it is considered an Adverse
Benefit Determination, as defined. When an adverse benefit determination is
made, the claimant will receive written or electronic notification of the
following:

         1)       The specific reason(s) for the adverse benefit determination;

         2)       Reference to relevant Plan provisions used in making the
                  determination;

         3)       A description of additional information necessary for the
                  claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why the
                  additional information is necessary;

         4)       A description of the Plan's appeal procedures applicable to
                  the claim including any applicable time limits;

                                       30

<PAGE>

         5)       The claimant's right to bring a civil action under ERISA
                  502(a) following exhaustion of an appeal of an adverse benefit
                  determination; and

         6)       If the adverse benefit determination reflected was based upon
                  an internal rule, guideline, or protocol, a copy of the rule,
                  guideline, or protocol will be provided free of charge upon
                  written request. Also, if the determination was based on a
                  limitation or exclusion that the treatment was experimental or
                  not medically necessary, an explanation of the scientific or
                  clinical judgment relied upon will be sent free of charge upon
                  written request.

         If the covered person is dissatisfied with a benefit determination, he
has 180 days following receipt of an Adverse Benefit Determination to submit a
written appeal to the Plan Sponsor. If an appeal relates to an urgent care
claim, the covered person will be notified of the benefit determination on
review as soon as possible, but not later than 72 hours after receipt of the
appeal request. If an appeal relates to a non-urgent pre-service claim, the
covered person will be notified of the benefit determination on review not later
than 30 days after receipt of the appeal request. If the appeal relates to a
post-service claim, the covered person will be notified of the benefit
determination on review not later than 60 days after receipt of the appeal
request. If a medical professional was consulted for the initial denial, then an
independent reviewer must be used for the appeal. The Definitions section
contains definitions for adverse benefit determination, urgent care claim,
pre-service claim and post-service claim.

         As part of the appeal process, a full and fair review of each claim
will be provided on an unbiased basis. Any individual involved in the initial
determination may not participate in an appeal of the initial determination.
Documents and other information relating to the claim may be submitted. Upon
written request (and free of charge), reasonable access to the Plan's documents
and information relevant to the appealed claim

                                       31

<PAGE>

will also be provided. A covered person may also submit a written appeal of his
notice regarding Creditable Coverage applied to reduce any Pre-Existing
Conditions Limitation in the Plan. The Creditable Coverage will be reviewed by
the Claims Administrator, and a written report will be sent to the Plan
Administrator. The Plan Administrator will render a decision within 60 days of
the appeal with specific reasons for the conclusions reached.

         The Plan Administrator's decision on the appeal will be final, binding,
and conclusive and will be afforded maximum deference permitted by law. All
appeal procedures specified in the Plan must be exhausted before any legal
action is filed.

PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMING BENEFITS UNDER THE PLAN

FILING FOR HOSPITAL/PHYSICIAN/OTHER MEDICAL EXPENSES

         The participant Identification Card indicates to providers and covered
persons how to file a claim. NOTE: CANCELLED CHECKS, BALANCE DUE STATEMENTS,
PHOTOCOPIES, FAXES AND PAYMENT RECEIPTS DO NOT CONTAIN SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO
MEET CLAIM-FILING REQUIREMENTS AND CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.

         Complete and current information must be provided for:

         1)       Accident or Injury Claims - explain how, when and where the
                  injury occurred and whether any other party was involved or
                  responsible for the accident.

         2)       Other Coverage - list the name, address and telephone number
                  of any other coverage or payer that may provide coverage,
                  including but not limited to COBRA, Medicare and any other
                  benefit plan.

         3)       Full-time Student - if the Plan provides coverage for
                  full-time students, send a grade card, letter or invoice that
                  proves enrollment when the claim was incurred. Full-time
                  status will be the number of hours stipulated by the
                  accredited university or college per quarter or semester.

                                       32

<PAGE>

         If a covered person or provider needs help filing a claim or
information on the benefits provided under the Plan, he may contact the
telephone number listed on the Identification Card and speak with a Customer
Service Representative.

DECISION ON SUBMITTED CLAIMS/PRE-AUTHORIZED SERVICES

         Claims for benefits are defined as pre-service claims or post-service
claims, and the response time may vary according to the type of claim.
Pre-service claims may be considered "urgent" or "concurrent". An "adverse
benefit determination" includes any decision to deny, reduce, terminate or
refuse payment and includes eligibility denials and utilization review
decisions. Upon written request, the Plan must explain any internal rules,
guidelines or protocols, as well as disclose names of medical professionals that
were consulted in the review process.

PRE-SERVICE CLAIM: A pre-service claim requires the covered person to
pre-certify, notify or receive approval prior to receiving treatment. The
utilization review manager must give notice of the decision at least 15 days
after the request for services, with one 15-day extension permitted. An
extension is permitted only for reasons beyond control of the Plan and requires
the covered person be given written notification before the first 15-day period
ends.

   URGENT CLAIM: An urgent claim is a pre-service claim where the covered
person's health or life is jeopardized without treatment or which would subject
the patient to severe pain if treatment were delayed, as certified by a
physician. The utilization review manager must respond to an urgent claim no
later than 72 hours following receipt of the claim or, if additional information
is required, request it within 24 hours and allow 48 hours for the covered
person to respond. The Plan must then notify the claimant of the decision within
48 hours of receiving the additional information. No extensions are permitted.

                                       33

<PAGE>

   CONCURRENT CLAIM: A concurrent claim is a pre-service claim that requires
approval over a course of treatment, such as physical therapy. If the care is
urgent, the Plan must respond to the covered person within 24 hours. When
approved services are to be provided over an extended period of time, the
covered person shall be entitled to a review prior to reduction or termination
of benefits.

POST-SERVICE CLAIM: A Post-Service claim is any claim that is not a Pre-Service
claim. Timely claim filing begins when the Claims Administrator receives a claim
with re-priced information from any participating Network, if applicable. The
Plan must give notice of approval within 30 days after a post-service claim is
received. A post-service claim also allows a 15-day extension for reasons beyond
Plan control if proper notice is given prior to the end of the first 30-day
period.

ALL DAYS MENTIONED IN THIS SECTION REFER TO "CALENDAR DAYS". ALL CLAIMS FOR
BENEFITS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITHIN TWELVE (12) MONTHS FROM THE INCURRED DATE OF
SERVICE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS UNDER THIS PLAN.

                                       34<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10(q)

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of the 1st
day of February, 2004, by and among Big Lots, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("BLI"),
Big Lots Stores, Inc., an Ohio corporation ("BLSI") (BLI, BLSI and their
respective affiliates, predecessor, successor, subsidiaries and other related
companies are hereinafter jointly referred to as "Employer"), and Kent Larsson
("Executive").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, the Employer desires to engage Executive to perform services
for the Employer and Executive desires to perform such services, on the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby mutually acknowledged, the
Parties hereby agree as follows:

1.       EMPLOYMENT.

         (a)      DUTIES AND SERVICES. Employer hereby employs Executive as a
                  Senior Vice President (or other appropriate title as
                  designated by the Employer in its sole discretion) and
                  Executive hereby accepts such employment, and shall perform
                  services of a business, professional or commercial nature for
                  the Employer in furtherance of the Employer's business. In
                  performance of these duties, Executive shall be subject to the
                  direction of and report to an individual holding one or more
                  of the following titles: Chief Executive Officer, President,
                  Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and/or
                  Executive Vice President of Employer. Employer agrees that
                  should Executive report to an Executive Vice President, such
                  person shall have responsibility for both Merchandising and
                  Store Operations.

         (b)      ADDITIONAL POSITIONS. Executive shall, without any
                  compensation in addition to that which is specifically
                  provided in this Agreement, serve as an officer of the
                  Employer and in such substitute or further offices or
                  positions with Employer as shall from time to time be
                  reasonably requested by the Employer. Each office and position
                  with the Employer, in which Executive may serve or to which he
                  may be appointed, shall be consistent in title and duties with
                  Executive's position. For service as a director or officer of
                  Employer, which service shall in each instance be deemed to be
                  at the request of the Employer and its Board of Directors,
                  Executive shall be entitled to the protection of the
                  applicable indemnification provisions of the charter and code
                  of regulations of Employer and Employer agrees to indemnify
                  and hold harmless Executive from and against any claims,
                  liabilities, damages or expenses incurred by Executive in or
                  arising out of the status, capacities and activities as an
                  officer or director of the Employer, to the maximum extent
                  permitted by law and in accordance with any agreement for
                  indemnification. On any termination of his employment,
                  Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all offices
                  and directorships held by Executive.

         (c)      FULL TIME AND ATTENTION. Executive agrees to his employment as
                  described herein and agrees to devote all of his time and best
                  efforts to the performance of his duties under this Agreement.
                  Except as expressly permitted herein, Executive shall not,
                  without the prior written consent of Employer, directly or
                  indirectly during the term of this Agreement, render services
                  of a business, professional or commercial nature to any other
                  person or firm, whether for compensation or otherwise. So long
                  as it does not interfere with his full-time employment
                  hereunder, Executive may attend to outside investments and
                  serve as a director, trustee or officer of or otherwise
                  participate in educational, welfare, social, religious and
                  civic organizations.

2.       TERM.

         Subject to the provisions for termination provided in this Agreement,
         the term of this Agreement shall commence on February 1, 2004 and shall
         continue thereafter until Executive's employment is terminated. This
         Agreement supersedes and replaces the July 29, 2002 Employment
         Agreement between Big Lots Stores, Inc. and its parent, affiliated,
         predecessor, successor, subsidiary and other related companies and
         Executive.

<PAGE>

3.       COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

         (a)      BASE SALARY. As compensation for his services hereunder, the
                  Employer shall pay Executive, an annual base salary (the "Base
                  Salary") payable in equal installments on regular payroll
                  dates designated by the Employer, an annual rate of Three
                  Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000). At least annually,
                  the Compensation Committee of the BLI Board of Directors shall
                  review Executive's performance and determine whether an
                  increase in the Executive's Base Salary is merited. Provided,
                  however, that in no event shall the Base Salary be adjusted to
                  an amount lower than the annual rate initially enumerated in
                  this Paragraph.

         (b)      BENEFITS. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any
                  group health care, hospitalization, life insurance, dental,
                  disability or other benefit plans ("Benefit Plans") available
                  to executives in the same or similar job classification (other
                  than bonus compensation or performance plans to the extent
                  that such plans, in the case of Executive, are in lieu of the
                  bonus plan set forth in Paragraph 4 herein). Executive's
                  participation in and benefits under any such Benefit Plans
                  shall be in accordance with the terms and subject to the
                  conditions specified in the governing document of the
                  particular Benefit Plan(s).

         (c)      VACATION AND SICK LEAVE. Executive shall be entitled to such
                  periods of vacation and sick leave each year as provided under
                  Employer's Vacation and Sick Leave Policy for executives of
                  the same or similar job classification.

         (d)      AUTOMOBILE ALLOWANCE. During the term of this Agreement,
                  Employer shall provide Executive with an automobile or a
                  monthly automobile allowance, in accordance with applicable
                  policies of the Employer for executives of the same or similar
                  job classification.

4.       BONUS.

         Executive shall be eligible to participate in the 1998 Big Lots, Inc.
         Key Associate Annual Compensation Plan, as amended (or any such
         successor plan, hereinafter "Bonus Program"). Executive shall be
         eligible to receive a bonus for the fiscal year beginning February 1,
         2004, and for each subsequent fiscal year of employment completed
         during the term of this Agreement. Executive's bonus shall be an amount
         equal to the Base Salary at the end of such fiscal year multiplied by
         the Bonus Payout percentage as determined by the Bonus Program set each
         fiscal year by the Compensation Committee of BLI's Board of Directors.
         The Bonus Program is based upon the achievement of Employer's annual
         financial plan. The Target Bonus for Executive is 50% of Base Salary
         and the Stretch Bonus for Executive is 100% of Base Salary, both of
         which are defined by the Compensation Committee of BLI's Board of
         Directors and are subject to adjustment by BLI's Board of Directors;
         provided however, Executive's Target Bonus shall never fall below 50%
         of Base Salary and Executive's Stretch Bonus shall never fall below
         100% of base salary. Payment of the Bonus described in this Paragraph
         is subject to the terms of the Bonus Program and any agreements issued
         thereunder.

5.       EXPENSES.

         Employer shall reimburse Executive during the term of this Agreement
         for travel, entertainment and other expenses reasonably incurred by
         Executive in the promotion of Employer's business. Executive shall
         furnish such documentation and/or receipts with respect to
         reimbursement to be paid as requested by the Employer.

6.       TERMINATION.

         The employment of Executive under this Agreement and term hereof shall
         be controlled by this Agreement, exclusively and without regard to any
         termination, severance, income continuation, or similar policies of
         Employer. Such employment may be terminated:

         (a)      WITHOUT CAUSE, EMPLOYER TERMINATION. By Employer without cause
                  at any time upon thirty (30) days notice to the Executive of
                  such termination, or

         (b)      WITHOUT CAUSE, EXECUTIVE TERMINATION. By Executive without
                  cause at any time upon thirty (30) days notice to the Employer
                  of such termination, or

<PAGE>

         (c)      UPON DEATH OR LONG-TERM DISABILITY OF EXECUTIVE. By Employer
                  upon the death or long-term disability of Executive, or

         (d)      FOR CAUSE, EMPLOYER TERMINATION. By Employer for cause at any
                  time. For purposes hereof, the term "cause" shall mean:

                  (i)      Executive's conviction of fraud, a felony or other
                           crime involving moral turpitude or Executive's
                           commission of acts of embezzlement or theft in
                           connection with his duties or in the course of his
                           employment.

                  (ii)     Executive engaging in Competitive Activities,
                           disclosing confidential information, or his willful
                           breach of any material provision of this Agreement.

                  (iii)    The term "Competitive Activities" shall mean
                           Executive's participation, without the written
                           consent of the Board of Directors of the Employer, in
                           any business enterprise if such business enterprise
                           engages in direct competition with the Employer. For
                           purposes of this Agreement, a business enterprise
                           shall be considered in direct competition with the
                           Employer, if such business enterprise's sales,
                           related to any activity then engaged in by the
                           Employer, amount to ten percent (10%) or more of such
                           business enterprise's total sales or one percent (1%)
                           of Employer's annual sales. "Competitive Activities"
                           shall not include the mere ownership of securities in
                           any publicly-traded enterprise and the exercise of
                           rights appurtenant thereto.

                  (iv)     Any termination of Executive for "cause" shall not be
                           effective until Employer delivers written notice to
                           Employee pursuant to the terms of Paragraph 11 of
                           this Agreement.

                  (v)      Any termination by reasons of the foregoing
                           Subparagraphs (i)-(iv) shall not be in limitation of
                           any other right or remedy the Employer may have under
                           this Agreement, at law, in equity or otherwise.

7.       EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

         (a)      WITHOUT CAUSE EFFECT, EMPLOYER TERMINATION. In the event of
                  the termination of Executive's employment by Employer pursuant
                  to Paragraph 6(a) above, except as otherwise provided in
                  Paragraph 5 of this Agreement, Employer shall have no
                  obligation to pay any compensation or benefits of any kind to
                  Executive other than,

                  (i)      Base Salary that has been earned but not been paid up
                           to and including the date of termination;

                  (ii)     A prorata portion of the Bonus under this Agreement
                           based upon the amount of time worked by the Executive
                           in the fiscal year when such termination is
                           effective, provided, however, that such prorata
                           portion will be determined in the ordinary course of
                           business and paid at such time following the close of
                           the fiscal year that such other eligible executives
                           receive such payment;

                  (iii)    A continuation of Base Salary, automobile allowance
                           (or use of present company automobile), any Benefit
                           Plans for which Executive is eligible and enrolled,
                           for twelve (12) months following the termination of
                           this Agreement;

                  (iv)     The Benefit Plans and automobile allowance/use
                           contained in Subparagraph (iii), above, shall cease
                           if during the twelve (12) months following
                           termination, Executive is entitled to receive the
                           same or similar benefits from another employer.

         (b)      WITHOUT CAUSE EFFECT, EXECUTIVE TERMINATION. In the event of
                  the termination of Executive's employment by Executive
                  pursuant to Paragraph 6(b) above, Employer shall have no
                  obligation to pay any compensation or benefits of any kind to
                  Executive other than Base Salary that has been earned but not
                  been paid up to and including the date of termination, and
                  Executive shall not be entitled to receive any Bonus under
                  this Agreement or otherwise.

         (c)      DEATH OR LONG-TERM DISABILITY. In the event of the termination
                  of Executive's employment by reason of death or long-term
                  disability pursuant to Paragraph 6(c) above, Employer shall
                  have no obligation to pay any compensation or benefits of any
                  kind to Executive or the Executive's estate, other than as
                  follows:

                  (i)      Base Salary that has been earned but not been paid up
                           to and including the date of termination;

                  (ii)     A prorata portion of the Bonus under this Agreement
                           based upon the amount of time worked by the Executive
                           in the fiscal year when such termination is
                           effective, provided, however, that such prorata
                           portion will be determined in the ordinary course of
                           business and paid at such time following the close of
                           the fiscal year that such other eligible executives
                           receive such payment;

<PAGE>

                  (iii)    In the case of long-term disability, a continuation
                           of Base Salary and any Benefit Plans for which
                           Executive is eligible and enrolled for six (6) months
                           following the termination of this Agreement and any
                           long-term disability benefits for which Executive is
                           eligible under the Employer's long-term disability
                           group insurance plan.

                  (iv)     The term "Long-Term Disability" shall be construed as
                           it is defined in the Employer's long-term disability
                           group insurance plan.

         (d)      FOR CAUSE EFFECT. In the event of termination for any of the
                  reasons for cause set forth in Paragraph 6(d) above, except as
                  otherwise provided in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement, Executive
                  shall not be entitled to further compensation or other
                  benefits under this Agreement (other than as provided by law),
                  except as to Base Salary that has been earned but not been
                  paid up to and including the date of termination. Further,
                  Executive shall not be entitled to receive any Bonus
                  determined under this Agreement or otherwise.

8.       CHANGE IN CONTROL.

         If there is a Change in Control (as defined herein) and Executive's
         employment is thereupon terminated or terminated within twenty four
         (24) months after the effective date thereof, Executive shall be
         entitled to the termination benefits as set forth in this Paragraph and
         its subparagraphs in lieu of other provisions of this Agreement. For
         purposes of this Paragraph, Executive's employment shall be deemed to
         have been terminated following a change in control only if Employer
         terminates such employment without cause (as defined in paragraph 6(a)
         above), or if a Constructive Termination occurs. "Constructive
         Termination" shall mean a resignation by Executive because of any
         material adverse change or material diminution in Executive's then
         current reporting relationships, job description, duties,
         responsibilities, compensation, perquisites, office or location of
         employment (as reasonably determined by Executive in his good faith
         discretion); provided, however, that Executive shall notify Employer in
         writing at least forty five (45) days in advance of any election by
         Executive to terminate his employment because of a Constructive
         Termination hereunder, specifying the nature of the alleged adverse
         change or diminution and Employer shall have a period of ten (10)
         business days after the receipt of such notice to cure such alleged
         adverse change or diminution before Executive shall be entitled to
         exercise any such rights and remedies. Executive shall not be entitled
         to the benefits available hereunder unless such notice is timely given.

         (a)      CHANGE IN CONTROL BENEFITS. The benefits payable to Executive
                  are as follows:

                  (i)      Employer shall pay to Executive a lump sum cash
                           payment, net of any applicable withholding taxes, in
                           an amount equal to two (2) times his Base Salary
                           immediately prior to the effective date of such
                           Change in Control (the "Lump Sum Payment"); provided,
                           that if there are fewer than twenty four (24) months
                           remaining from the date of Executive's termination to
                           Executive's normal retirement date at age 65,
                           Employer shall instead pay Executive a prorata amount
                           of the Lump Sum Payment based upon the number of
                           months remaining until Executive's normal retirement
                           date at age 65. The applicable amount shall be paid
                           on or before the next regular payroll date following
                           the termination of the Executive's employment.

                  (ii)     In addition to the payment described in Paragraph
                           8(a)(i) above, Employer shall pay to Executive a lump
                           sum cash payment, net of any applicable withholding
                           taxes, in an amount equal to two (2) times the
                           Executive's then current Stretch Bonus, as defined in
                           and determined annually by the Compensation Committee
                           of BLI's Board of Directors; provided, that:

                           (A)      In the event the Executive's Bonus is
                                    undefined or is not subject to a maximum
                                    payout, the Executive's Bonus shall be
                                    deemed to be 200% of the Executive's then
                                    current Base Salary, and

                           (B)      If there are fewer than twenty four (24)
                                    months remaining from the date of
                                    Executive's termination to Executive's
                                    normal retirement date at age 65, Employer
                                    shall instead pay Executive a prorata amount
                                    of the Lump Sum Bonus Payment based upon the
                                    number of months remaining until Executive's
                                    normal retirement date at age 65. Executive
                                    shall receive the Lump Sum Bonus Payment at
                                    the same time Executive receives the Lump
                                    Sum Payment described above.

                  (iii)    A continuation of any Benefit Plans for which
                           Executive (and his spouse and/or dependents, if their
                           participation is permitted under the terms of the
                           subject plan) is eligible and enrolled for twelve
                           (12)

<PAGE>

                           months following the termination of this Agreement;
                           provided, that Executive's participation in the plans
                           referred to herein shall be terminated (other than as
                           provided by law) when and to the extent that
                           Executive is entitled to receive the same or similar
                           benefits from another employer during such period.
                           Executive's participation in and benefits under any
                           such plan shall be on the terms and subject to the
                           conditions specified in the governing document of the
                           particular Benefit Plan(s).

                  (iv)     If all or any portion of the amount payable under
                           paragraph 8(a)(i) and 8(a)(ii) of this Agreement,
                           either alone or together with other amounts that
                           Executive is entitled to receive in connection with a
                           Change in Control, constitutes "excess parachute
                           payments" within the meaning of Section 280G of the
                           Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
                           "Code"), or any successor provision, that are subject
                           to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code
                           (or any similar tax or assessment), the amounts
                           payable hereunder shall be increased to the extent
                           necessary to place Executive in the same after-tax
                           position as Executive would have been had no such
                           excise tax or assessment been imposed on any such
                           payment paid or payable to Executive under Paragraph
                           8(a)(i) and 8(a)(ii) of this Agreement or any other
                           payment that Executive may receive as a result of
                           such Change in Control. The determination of the
                           amount of any such tax or assessment and the
                           resulting amount of incremental payment required
                           hereby in connection therewith shall be made by the
                           independent accounting firm employed by Employer
                           immediately prior to the applicable Change in
                           Control, within thirty (30) calendar days after the
                           payment of the amount payable pursuant to Paragraph
                           8(a)(i) and 8(a)(ii) of this Agreement. Said
                           incremental payment shall be made within five (5)
                           business days after said determination has been made.

                  (v)      If, after the date upon which any payment is to be
                           made under this Paragraph, it is determined (pursuant
                           to final judgment of a court of competent
                           jurisdiction or an agreed upon tax assessment) that
                           the amount of excise or other similar taxes or
                           assessments payable by Executive is greater than the
                           amount initially so determined, then Employer shall
                           pay Executive an amount equal to the sum of (i) such
                           additional excise or other similar taxes, plus (ii)
                           any interest, fines and penalties resulting from such
                           underpayment, plus (iii) an amount necessary to
                           reimburse Executive for any income, excise or other
                           tax or assessment payable by Executive with respect
                           to the amounts specified in (i) and (ii) above, and
                           the reimbursement provided by this clause (iii).
                           Payment thereof shall be made within five (5)
                           business days after the date upon which such
                           subsequent determination is made.

                  (vi)     In addition to the benefits described above,
                           Executive shall be entitled to all rights derived
                           under the Big Lots, Inc. 1996 Performance Incentive
                           Plan, as Amended (f/k/a Consolidated Stores
                           Corporation 1996 Performance Incentive Plan, as
                           Amended) in the event of a "Change in Effective
                           Control" (as defined in that plan).

         (b)      CHANGE IN CONTROL DEFINED. As used herein, "Change in Control"
                  means any of the following events:

                  (i)      Any person or group (as defined for purposes of
                           Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
                           becomes the beneficial owner of, or has the right to
                           acquire (by contract, option, warrant, conversion of
                           convertible securities or otherwise), 20% or more of
                           the outstanding equity securities of BLI entitled to
                           vote for the election of directors;

                  (ii)     A majority of the Board of Directors of BLI is
                           replaced within any period of two (2) years or less
                           by directors not nominated and approved by a majority
                           of the directors of BLI in office at the beginning of
                           such period (or their successors so nominated and
                           approved), or a majority of the Board of Directors of
                           BLI at any date consists of persons not so nominated
                           and approved;

                  (iii)    The stockholders of BLI approve an agreement to
                           reorganize, merge or consolidate with another
                           corporation (other than BLSI or an affiliate); or

                  (iv)     The stockholders of BLI adopt a plan or approve an
                           agreement to sell or otherwise dispose of all or
                           substantially all of BLI's assets (including without
                           limitation, a plan of liquidation or dissolution), in
                           a single transaction or series of related
                           transactions.

         (c)      EFFECTIVE DATE/TERMS. The effective date of any such Change in
                  Control shall be the date upon which the last event occurs or
                  last action taken such that the definition of such Change in
                  Control (as set forth above) has been met. For purposes of
                  this Agreement, the term "affiliate" shall mean:

<PAGE>

                  (i)      Any person or entity qualified as part of an
                           affiliated group which includes BLSI and BLI pursuant
                           to Section 1504 of the Code; or

                  (ii)     Any person or entity qualified as part of a
                           parent-subsidiary group of trades and businesses
                           under common control within the meaning of Treasury
                           Regulation Section 1.414(c-2)(b). Determination of
                           affiliate shall be tested as of the date immediately
                           prior to any event constituting a Change in Control.
                           The other provisions of this Paragraph
                           notwithstanding, the term "Change in Control" shall
                           not mean any transaction, merger, consolidation, or
                           reorganization in which BLI exchanges or offers to
                           exchange newly issued or treasury shares in an amount
                           less than 50% of the then outstanding equity
                           securities of BLI entitled to vote for the election
                           of directors, for 51% or more of the outstanding
                           equity securities entitled to vote for the election
                           of at least the majority of the directors of a
                           corporation other than BLI or an affiliate thereof
                           (the "Acquired Corporation"), or for all or
                           substantially all of the assets of the Acquired
                           Corporation.

         (d)      LEGAL COUNSEL. If Executive hires legal counsel with respect
                  to any alleged failure of Employer to comply with any terms of
                  Paragraph 8 of this Agreement, or institutes any negotiation
                  or institutes or responds to any legal action to assert or
                  defend the validity of or to enforce Executive's rights under
                  Paragraph 8 of this Agreement, or to recover damages for
                  breach of Paragraph 8 of this Agreement, Employer shall pay
                  Executive's actual expenses for attorneys' fees and
                  disbursements, together with such additional payments, if any,
                  as may be necessary so that the net after-tax payments so made
                  to Executive equal such fees and disbursements; provided,
                  however, that Executive shall be responsible for his own fees
                  and expenses with respect to any lawsuit between Executive and
                  Employer to enforce rights or obligations under this Paragraph
                  8 in which Employer is the prevailing party. The fees and
                  expenses incurred by Executive in instituting or responding to
                  any such negotiation or legal action shall be paid by Employer
                  as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of
                  the action or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by
                  Executive to repay such amounts if Employer is ultimately
                  determined to be the prevailing party.

         (e)      INTEREST. If any amount due Executive by the terms of this
                  Paragraph 8 is not paid when due, then Employer shall pay
                  interest on said amount at an annual rate equal to the base
                  lending rate of National City Bank, Cleveland, Ohio, or
                  successor, as in effect from time to time, for the period
                  between the date on which such payment is due and the date
                  said amount is paid.

         (f)      NO RIGHT OF SETOFF. Employer's obligation to pay Executive the
                  compensation and to make the arrangement required in this
                  Paragraph 8 shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not
                  be affected by any circumstance, including, without
                  limitation, any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or
                  other right that Employer may have against Executive or
                  otherwise. All amounts payable by Employer hereunder shall be
                  paid without notice or demand. Subject to the proviso in this
                  Paragraph 8, each and every payment made hereunder by Employer
                  shall be final and Employer shall not seek to recover all or
                  any part of such payment from Executive or from whosoever may
                  be entitled thereto, for any reason whatsoever. Executive
                  shall not be obligated to seek other employment or
                  compensation or insurance in mitigation of any amount payable
                  or arrangement made under this Paragraph 8, and the obtaining
                  of any such other employment or compensation or insurance,
                  except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, shall in no
                  event effect any reduction of Employer's obligations to make
                  the payments and arrangements required under this Paragraph 8.

9.       COVENANTS OF EXECUTIVE.

         (a)      COVENANTS. Executive acknowledges that the principal
                  businesses of Employer include the operation of its "Big Lots"
                  discount general merchandise consumer goods retail outlets,
                  the inventories of which are acquired primarily through
                  special purchase situations such as overstocks, closeouts,
                  liquidations, bankruptcies, wholesale distribution of
                  overstock, distress, liquidation and other volume inventories,
                  the operation of its Big Lots Furniture Stores, and its
                  wholesale operations (the "Company Business"); and Employer is
                  one of the limited number of entities who have developed such
                  business; and the Company Business is national in scope; and
                  Executive's work for Employer will give him access to the
                  confidential affairs of Employer; and the agreements and
                  covenants of Executive contained in Subparagraphs (i)-(iii)

<PAGE>

                  herein ("Restrictive Covenants") are essential to the business
                  and goodwill of Employer. Accordingly, Executive covenants and
                  agrees that:

                  (i)      During the term of Executive's employment with
                           Employer and for a period of one (1) year (the
                           "Restricted Period") following the termination of his
                           employment in any manner, Executive shall not in any
                           location where Employer's retail stores are located
                           throughout the United States, directly or indirectly,
                           (1) engage in the Company Business for Executive's
                           own account (other than pursuant to this Agreement),
                           (2) render any services to any person engaged in such
                           activities (other than Employer), or (3) render any
                           services to, or in any manner become employed, by
                           Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, Dollar General, Family
                           Dollar, Dollar Tree, Retail Ventures, Inc., Fred's,
                           99(cent) Stores, Canned Foods, Tuesday Morning, TJX
                           Corporation, or any grocery store chain, regardless
                           of size. Further, Employee agrees not to render any
                           services to, or in any manner become employed by, any
                           parent, subsidiary or other related entity of the
                           above listed entities. However, in the event of a
                           Change in Control as defined in this Agreement, the
                           Restricted Period shall be for a period of six (6)
                           months.

                  (ii)     During the term of Executive's employment with
                           Employer and for a period of two (2) years following
                           the termination of his employment in any manner,
                           Executive shall keep secret and retain in strictest
                           confidence, and shall not use for his benefit or the
                           benefit of others, all confidential matters relating
                           to the Company Business hereafter learned by
                           Executive, and shall not disclose them to anyone
                           except with Employer's express written consent and
                           except for information which is at the time of
                           receipt or thereafter, becomes publicly known through
                           no wrongful act of Executive, or is received from a
                           third party not under an obligation to keep such
                           information confidential and without breach of this
                           Agreement.

                  (iii)    During the term of Executive's employment with
                           Employer and for a period of two (2) years following
                           the termination of his employment in any manner,
                           without Employer's prior written consent, Executive
                           will not directly or indirectly, solicit, encourage
                           to leave the employment of Employer or hire any
                           employee of Employer.

         (b)      ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Executive acknowledges that the foregoing
                  restrictions are reasonable in light of the nature of the
                  services the Employer provides. Executive and the Employer
                  agree that the Employer has legitimate reasons for requiring
                  such Restrictive Covenants from Executive. Executive
                  acknowledges that he understands the restrictions and has had
                  an opportunity to fully discuss these restrictions with the
                  Employer and accepts the restrictions.

         (c)      MAXIMUM ENFORCEABLE RESTRICTION. In the event that any or all
                  of the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Paragraph shall
                  be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
                  unenforceable by reason of the temporal restrictions being too
                  great, or by reason that the range of activities covered are
                  too great, or for any other reason, they shall be interpreted
                  to extend over the maximum period of time, range of activities
                  or other restrictions as to which they may be enforceable.

         (d)      INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The Parties agree that a breach of the
                  Restrictive Covenants contained in this Paragraph may cause
                  irreparable damage to the Employer, the extent of which may be
                  difficult to ascertain, and that the award of damages may not
                  be adequate relief. Therefore, Executive agrees that, in the
                  event of a breach or a threatened breach of the Restrictive
                  Covenants, the Employer may institute an action to compel the
                  specific performance of same and obtain injunctive relief,
                  without bond; Executive agrees not to assert adequacy of money
                  damages as a defense and agrees that such remedy shall be
                  cumulative, not exclusive, and in addition to any other
                  available remedies, and that the Employer may require
                  Executive to account for and pay over to Employer all
                  compensation, profits, monies, accruals, increments, or other
                  benefits derived or received by him as the result of any
                  transactions constituting a breach of the Restrictive
                  Covenants. Employer may set off any amounts finally determined
                  by a court of competent jurisdiction to be due it under this
                  Paragraph against any amounts owed to Executive. The Parties
                  agree that any action for breach of the Restrictive Covenants
                  and/or injunctive relief shall be venued in the Court of
                  Common Pleas, Franklin County, Ohio, and that Ohio law governs
                  the terms of this Agreement.

         (e)      TOLLING PERIOD. Executive acknowledges that under the terms of
                  the Restrictive Covenants contained in this Paragraph, the
                  Employer is entitled to receive a period of one (1) year of
                  non-competition, and two (2) years of non-solicitation and
                  confidentiality immediately following termination of
                  Executive's employment.

<PAGE>

                  Executive agrees that if any of these obligations to the
                  Employer are breached during the one (1) year period or
                  non-competition, and/or the two (2) year period of
                  non-solicitation and confidentiality, then the time period
                  will be extended for the length of time that Executive failed
                  to fulfill his obligations.

10.      WITHHOLDING TAXES.

         Except as otherwise provided, all payments to Executive, including the
         bonus compensation under this Agreement, shall be subject to
         withholding on account of federal, state, and local taxes as required
         by law.

11.      NOTICES.

         Any notice or other communication required or permitted hereunder shall
         be in writing and shall be delivered personally, sent by facsimile
         transmission or sent by certified or priority mail, postage prepaid.
         Any such notice shall be deemed given when so delivered personally, or
         sent by facsimile transmission or, if mailed, five (5) days after the
         date of deposit in the United States mail as follows:

         (a)      If to the Employer to:             Big Lots Stores, Inc.
                                                     300 Phillipi Road
                                                     Columbus, Ohio 43228-1310
                                                     Attention: General Counsel

                  With a copy to:                    Big Lots Stores, Inc.
                                                     300 Phillipi Road
                                                     Columbus, Ohio 43228-1310
                                                     Attention: Chief Executive
                                                                Officer

         (b)      If to the Executive to:            Kent Larsson
                                                     9333 Lerwick Drive
                                                     Dublin, Ohio 43017

         (c)      Change of Address. Any such person may by notice given in
                  accordance with this Paragraph to the other parties hereto,
                  designate another address or person for receipt by such person
                  of notices hereunder.

12.      SEVERABLE PROVISIONS.

         The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any one or more
         provisions may be determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable,
         in whole or in part, the remaining provisions and any partially
         unenforceable provision, to the maximum extent enforceable, shall,
         nevertheless, be binding and enforceable.

13.      MODIFICATION.

         This Agreement collectively sets forth the entire understanding of the
         Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersedes all
         existing agreements between them concerning such subject matter, and
         may be modified only by a written instrument duly executed by each
         party.

14.      WAIVER.

         Any waiver by either party of a breach of any provision of this
         Agreement shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any
         other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision
         of this Agreement. The failure of a party to insist upon strict
         adherence to any term of this Agreement on one or more occasions shall
         not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right
         thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other
         term of this Agreement. Any waiver must be in writing.

<PAGE>

15.      BINDING EFFECT.

         Executive's rights and obligations under this Agreement shall not be
         transferable by assignment or otherwise, such rights shall not be
         subject to commutation, encumbrance, or the claims of Executive's
         creditors, and any attempt to do any of the foregoing shall be void.
         The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
         benefit of Executive and his heirs and personal representatives, and
         shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Employer and its
         successors.

16.      NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES.

         This Agreement does not create, and shall not be construed as creating,
         any rights enforceable by any person not a party to this Agreement.

17.      HEADINGS.

         The headings in this Agreement are solely for the convenience of
         reference and shall be given no effect in the construction or
         interpretation of this Agreement.

18.      COUNTERPARTS.

         This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of
         which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall
         constitute one and the same instrument.

<PAGE>

19.      GOVERNING LAW, JURISDICTION AND ARBITRATION.

         This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
         the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to conflict of
         laws. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any
         breach of this Agreement, with the exceptions of the Restrictive
         Covenants contained in Paragraph 9, shall be submitted to and
         determined in binding arbitration, and such method shall be the
         exclusive method for resolving such disputes. This provision includes
         any and all claims and remedies that the Executive could bring against
         the Employer arising out of his employment, including, but not limited
         to, claims for negligence, wrongful discharge, discrimination,
         harassment, intentional tort, infliction of emotional distress,
         defamation, or loss of consortium. Submission may be made by either
         party and must be made within thirty (30) days subsequent to the
         dispute arising. Thereafter, the parties hereto shall take such steps
         as are necessary to assure that the dispute will be promptly settled by
         arbitration, in accordance with the then-current Commercial Arbitration
         Rules of the American Arbitration Association, within ninety (90) days
         of its submission. The arbitration shall be conducted by a single
         arbitrator selected by the parties. If the parties have not selected an
         arbitrator within ten (10) days of written demand for arbitration, the
         arbitrator shall be selected by the American Arbitration Association.
         Each party shall bear all its own legal fees and expenses. All
         arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in the federal judicial
         district where Executive maintains his principal place of employment
         for the Company. Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrator may
         be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

20.      EMPLOYER PROPERTY.

         Upon termination of Executive's employment for any reason, or at any
         time at the Employer's request, Executive shall deliver up to the
         Employer, all property, keys, materials, documents, records, manuals,
         notebooks, or papers and any copies thereof maintained in any form that
         in any way relate to the business and activities of the Employer that
         may be in the possession, or under the control of Executive.

21.      CONFLICTING AGREEMENTS.

         Executive represents and warrants that he is free to enter into this
         Agreement and that Executive has not made and will not make any
         agreements in conflict with this Agreement.

22.      SURVIVAL.

         The covenants, agreements, representations, and warranties contained in
         or made pursuant to this Agreement shall survive Executive's
         termination of employment, whatever the reason for termination of such
         employment, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement,
         irrespective of any investigation made by or on behalf of any party.

         WHEREUPON, the Parties hereto voluntarily enter into this Agreement as
of this 29th day of March, 2004.

Big Lots, Inc.                                                Executive
/s/ Albert J. Bell                                   /s/ Kent Larsson
---------------------------------------              ---------------------------
By:  Albert J. Bell                                  Printed Name: Kent Larsson
Its:  Chief Administrative Officer

Big Lots Stores, Inc.
/s/ Brad A. Waite
---------------------------------------
By:  Brad A. Waite
Its: Executive Vice President

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