EXHIBIT 23

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in (i) Registration
Statement No. 33-42502 on Form S-8 pertaining to Big Lots, Inc. Director Stock
Option Plan (ii) Registration Statement No. 33-42692 on Form S-8 pertaining to
Big Lots, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan (iii) Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to
Registration Statement No. 33-6068 on Form S-8 pertaining to Big Lots, Inc.
Executive Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (iv) Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-19378 on Form S-8 pertaining to
Big Lots, Inc. Savings Plan (v) Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
Statement No. 333-2545 on Form S-3 pertaining to the issuance of Big Lots, Inc.
Common Shares (vi) Registration Statement No. 333-32063 on Form S-8 pertaining
to Big Lots, Inc. 1996 Performance Incentive Plan and (vii) Registration
Statement No. 333-41143 on Form S-4 pertaining to the issuance of Big Lots, Inc.
Common Shares of our report dated February 25, 2003, appearing in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Big Lots, Inc. for the year ended February 1, 2003.

Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dayton, Ohio
April 17, 2003