I went to Big Lots. I didn't see a reason to go back, which might explain why the chain is fighting to stay alive

Alex Bitter/Business Insider

• Big Lots' plan to sell itself to a private equity buyer fell apart last week.
• The retailer is starting store closing sales but trying to find another suiter, it said.
• I visited a Big Lots store in Maryland in September to see what it's like to shop there.

Big Lots is fighting to survive.

The discount retail chain had won court approval to sell itself to private equity...