EXHIBIT 99.2

                    CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
            PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002 and accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Form 10-K") for the
year ended February 1, 2003 of Big Lots, Inc. (the "Issuer"). I, Jeffrey G.
Naylor, Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer, certify that:

(i) the Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or
78o(d)); and

(ii) the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.


Dated: April 17, 2003           By: /s/ Jeffrey G. Naylor
                                     ----------------------------------------
                                     Jeffrey G. Naylor
                                     Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                                     Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to Big Lots, Inc. and will be
retained by Big Lots, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.