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Big Lots
Big Lots
Return: +45.9%

Look for the low-end retailer, which sells everything from mattresses to Christmas trees at closeout prices, to ascend on this year's Fortune 500 (it was No. 493 in 2007). Columbus, Ohio-based Big Lots has beaten analyst estimates all year, ringing in $1.11 billion in sales and an 11% increase in profits last quarter.

NEXT: Family Dollar Stores
Last updated October 13 2008: 4:43 PM ET
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