Big Lots, a Columbus, Ohio-based closeout retailer with 1,370 stores nationwide, including two in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area, has signed a lease for a 29,600-square-foot space in the Northpointe Plaza.

Inland Western Real Estate Trust Inc., which owns the shopping center, at 10100 N. Newport Highway, says Big Lots will occupy a space formerly occupied by Linens 'n Things. That store closed in 2009 when the chain came under new ownership and moved to online sales only, its Web site says.

Big Lots sells a wide range of closeout merchandise, including seasonal products, furniture, housewares, and toys. It has 19 other stores in Washington, including one at 14024 E. Sprague and another at 101 E. Best in Coeur d'Alene.

The new store's opening date hasn't been released, says Inland Western spokesman Joel Cunningham.

Cunningham says the store is expected to employ 40 to 50 full- and part-time employees. He says he isn't able to disclose the anticipated cost to renovate the space, though he says Big Lots will be making some changes to the building.