By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Discount chain Big Lots is conducting going–out-of-business sales at its remaining locations after a sale of the company didn’t materialize. The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer, which sells furniture, home decor and other items, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early September and said private equity firm Nexus Capital Management LP had agreed to acquire “substantially all of the company’s assets.” But on Thursday the chain said it didn’t anticipate completing the purchase agreement.