Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ali Aslam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ali, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
“My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values my parents instilled in me. Growing up, I always felt a responsibility to work hard because they expected nothing less than my best. Watching their struggles as immigrants when we first came to the U.S., while living in inner-city neighborhoods, shaped my perspective. My father’s success in the retail industry, after years of perseverance, taught me the power of resilience and ambition. Those experiences inspired me to carve my own path, taking the lessons I learned and applying them to my work on a larger scale.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my wife, who supports me in every way and takes care of our children and family. And, I’m lucky to be surrounded by great people, including my partners, who inspire me every day with their dedication and passion.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
“My journey has always been driven by the belief that you have to love what you do, not just like it. I don’t dread the start of a new week—Mondays are something I look forward to, as much as planning the weekend. I’m fortunate to lead Lot Stop, a family-run business that’s fueled by commitment and hard work from every team member. We’re a close-knit group, with each person fully dedicated to their role. For me, that means overseeing the direction of the company, meeting regularly with my partners to review performance, and ensuring that we’re all aligned toward the same goals.
What excites me most about LotStop is that it’s a community effort. Our buyers work tirelessly to source top-quality, nationally recognized products at competitive prices, and our associates go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience to every customer who walks through our doors. We’re constantly expanding where we see potential, keeping close ties to each location so that we can meet the needs of our local communities.
As for what’s next, we’re excited to explore new locations and bring LotStop’s unique value to even more communities, expanding where we believe we can make an impact.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1.Creating Possibilities: For me, negotiation is about more than just securing a deal; it’s about the power of creating possibilities. It’s a reminder that life presents countless opportunities, and it’s up to us to reach for them with confidence. Embracing this mindset has taught me resilience—learning to advocate for what I believe in and to find common ground. When you approach every interaction as a chance to build something meaningful, you open doors you never knew existed.
2.Empowering Connection: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success is never a solo journey. When you surround yourself with people who share your vision, you’re building more than just a team—you’re creating a support system. Leading isn’t about directing; it’s about empowering others to shine in their unique ways and knowing that, together, you’re creating something bigger than any of you could alone. That sense of unity keeps me inspired every day.
3. Attention to Detail: Life has taught me that sometimes it’s the smallest things that end up being the most important. Paying attention to the details has shown me that even the most minor actions add up to something powerful over time. Being intentional with each step, no matter how small, helps me live fully in each moment. It’s a practice of mindfulness that’s rewarding because it brings clarity, quality, and meaning to everything I do.
And to anyone just starting out, my advice is this: don’t be afraid to go all in. Give yourself fully to whatever path you’re on, even if it means going beyond what feels comfortable. Push yourself beyond the limits you think you have, and you’ll see just how much you’re capable of. Every step, every late night, every mistake—they’re all shaping you, guiding you toward something greater. Embrace the journey with gratitude and heart, and trust that all that hard work will be the foundation for a life you can look back on with pride.”
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
“The biggest challenge we face right now is the fierce competition in today’s market. It’s a constant reminder that if we don’t offer something special, we risk losing the connection with my customers. With so many options available, both in traditional retail and online, we find ourselves asking: what can we provide that makes people choose to come to our stores?
This challenge pushes me to think creatively about our offerings. It’s not just about price; it’s about value and experience. We focus on finding unique deals through liquidators, and we’re passionate about showcasing those incredible closeout finds. Each week, we prioritize highlighting the savings we can offer, ensuring that our customers know they’re getting the best possible value.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about business—it’s about building relationships and a sense of community. I strive to create an inviting atmosphere where shoppers feel valued and excited to discover something new. Overcoming this challenge is about staying connected to my customers and continuously finding ways to enhance their experience with us.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lotstop.com
- Instagram: @lot.stop https://www.instagram.com/lot.stop/?hl=en
- Facebook: LotStop https://www.facebook.com/LotStopDeals/
- Twitter: Lotstopsocial https://x.com/LotStopSocial
- Yelp: Lot Stop Dept https://www.yelp.com/biz/lot-stop-dept-new-york
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