AT&T Wins $2.4 Million Local Services Contract from Big Lots

Monday, April 11, 2005 -  COLUMBUS, Ohio - AT&T announced today it has won a $2.4 million, 3.5-year contract from Big Lots, Inc. to provide local voice services to more than 780 of its stores across the United States.

Big Lots is the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer with stores in 46 states that provide brand-name bargain goods from more than 3,000 manufacturers.

By selecting AT&T to consolidate local service for more than half of its retail locations, Big Lots reduces the need to deal with multiple local phone companies, gains a single point of contact for AT&T local services, and receives consolidated and simplified billing, and volume discounts. 

"Big Lots is dedicated to providing our customers a unique shopping experience by offering first-quality, brand-name products at a significant savings," said Ruth Ann Kale, Director of Administrative Services, Big Lots, Inc. "Selecting AT&T for local service simplifies the management of our telecommunications needs and reduces costs, which we can pass as savings to our customers through one-of-a-kind deals."
Big Lots also gains around-the-clock online access to real-time reports on network performance and direct connection to electronic billing and trouble management systems through the secure AT&T BusinessDirect portal.

About AT&T
For more than 125 years, AT&T (NYSE "T") has been known for unparalleled quality and reliability in communications.  Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company is a global leader in local, long distance, Internet and transaction-based voice and data services.

About Big Lots
Big Lots, Inc. (www.biglots.com) is the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer with annual revenues exceeding $4 billion. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots operates more than 1,500 retail stores serving 46 states. Five regional closeout distribution centers ranging in size from 1 million to 3 million square feet and two furniture distribution centers provide the company's stores with brand-name products from more than 3,000 manufacturers. Big Lots offers merchandise on average at 20 to 40 percent below most discount retailers and up to 70 percent below conventional retailers. Founded in 1967, the company employs more than 45,000 associates across the U.S. By creating excitement with brand-name closeouts and bargains through a unique shopping experience, Big Lots meets the needs of customers by providing an assortment of merchandise including consumables, seasonal products, furniture and home, housewares, toys, and gifts. Big Lots, a Fortune 500 company, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BLI.