Big Lots (BIGGQ) S-8 Registration of securities for employees

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our reports relating to the consolidated financial statements of Big Lots, Inc., and the effectiveness of Big Lots, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting dated March 28, 2017 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Big Lots, Inc. for the year ended January 28, 2017.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Columbus, Ohio

May 26, 2017