Ocean State Job Lot has acquired 15 former Big Lots locations in eight states to help maintain its growth momentum.
Already operating 159 stores across the northeastern United States, Ocean State intends to open up to 22 new stores this year, in an effort that includes expansion into two additional states, Maryland and Delaware.
The Big Lots locations, slated to open by early summer 2025, are in Somers Point, Barnegat and Cape May, NJ; Chester, Easton and Elkton, MD; Dover and Seaford, DE; Harrisburg and Trexlertown, PA; Dansville and Liverpool, NY; Webster, MA; Morrisville, VT; and Auburn, ME. The former Big Lots locations range in size from 27,188 to 43,021 square feet.
The acquisition of the former Big Lots stores furthers Ocean State’s strategic repurposing of former retail sites, the company reported. In 2024, Ocean State opened Big Lot stores in four former Christmas Tree Shops properties with a fifth and sixth slated to open shortly. Since 2019, Ocean State has converted 12 former Toys ‘R’ Us stores into Job Lot locations.
“This is an exciting chapter for us,” said Marc Perlman, principal owner and CEO, Ocean State Job Lot. “Expanding into new markets has long been part of our strategic plan, but like everything else we do, it needs to be done with value in mind. We look forward to introducing our unique brand, friendly service and extraordinary savings to customers in each of these new communities.”
