So, you heard a rumor that Ocean State Job Lot is closing its doors, or maybe you’ve noticed some store closures and wondered what’s up. It’s a reasonable question there’s been a lot of news lately about big retailers shutting down. But in this case, that’s not what Ocean State Job Lot is doing. In reality, the company is spending more time growing than shrinking.
Quick Backstory: What Is Ocean State Job Lot?
Ocean State Job Lot started in Rhode Island in 1977. If you grew up in the Northeast, you probably know them as a discount retailer the kind of place your neighbor might tip you off about when there’s a good deal on patio furniture or pet treats. They carry everything from home goods and groceries to clothing, garden supplies, and seasonal items. The stores aren’t fancy, but they’re big on bargains.
People sometimes assume that discount chains like this don’t last, or they lump them in with failing off-price retailers. But every company has a different story, especially right now.
Why People Think Ocean State Job Lot Might Be Closing
Let’s talk about those rumors. Some of it comes from seeing “Store Closing” signs or reading headlines about a few locations shutting down. Add in the fact that other discount stores like Christmas Tree Shops and some Big Lots branches have disappeared recently, and it’s easy to put two and two together.
But that’s not really what’s going on for Ocean State Job Lot. In fact, a closer look at what they’re up to paints a much different picture a company that’s finding ways to grow even while the broader retail world feels shaky.
Big Expansion: Taking Over Former Big Lots & Christmas Tree Shops Spaces
Over the past year, Ocean State Job Lot has actually been getting bigger. They’ve been snapping up locations that other retailers have left behind. When Big Lots, another discount chain, decided to cut down on stores, Ocean State Job Lot saw an opportunity.
In 2024, they grabbed leases for 15 former Big Lots locations across eight different states. This wasn’t just a one-off deal; they quickly announced plans to open up 22 new stores by the end of the year, which would push their total store count to 159. That’s a pretty significant jump.
There’s a clear strategy here: move into spaces that already have solid parking, lots of foot traffic, and customers who like discounted products. Rather than building from scratch, they’re taking over where others are leaving. It’s a shortcut to fast expansion and it helps keep costs lower.
Then you’ve got the old Christmas Tree Shops locations. A lot of these stores closed when that chain ran out of money. Ocean State Job Lot has already opened stores in four of those spaces this year, and two more openings are planned for early next year.
Since 2019, they’ve also turned a dozen old Toys “R” Us stores into Ocean State Job Lots. That’s a lot of real estate, and it shows the company knows how to be quick on its feet when a good spot opens up.
What the CEO Says
If you’re still wondering whether these are desperate moves, let’s hear from the boss. CEO Marc Perlman has been upfront about the strategy.
He called the Big Lots deal “an exciting chapter” for the company not something they did because they had to survive, but something they wanted so they could expand. In interviews, he’s said their approach is about giving communities value and variety, especially in places hit hard by other retailers’ closures.
Sometimes leaders talk up their companies, but when you look at how Ocean State Job Lot is investing money signing new leases, opening stores, hiring staff it’s a good sign they’re not planning to disappear.
What Do They Actually Sell?
People who haven’t shopped at Ocean State Job Lot usually ask what makes it different from a regular big box store. The answer is that you can buy a little bit of almost anything. Need backyard chairs? Bulk-sized snacks? Cat litter or a raincoat? It’s all there, sometimes in surprising brands you recognize and sometimes in offbeat deals.
The prices really are low, and the stock changes a lot, so regulars tend to stop by frequently just to see what’s new. That sense of variety and discovery is part of why the stores seem to keep drawing crowds, especially when money is tight.
It’s fair to say Ocean State Job Lot has built a loyal following by offering common-sense deals. In today’s economy, where lots of folks want more for their money, you can see why that approach works.
What About Store Closures? Should Shoppers Be Concerned?
Here’s where things get a little more real. Yes, some Ocean State Job Lot stores have closed or will close. For example, there are reports of locations in Birmingham and Troy, Alabama, closing in 2026. If you live nearby, seeing your store go away always feels worrying.
But taking a close look, these shutdowns are the exception, not the rule. Retailers often tweak their store lineup to focus on places that perform best. Sometimes a store just isn’t lining up with customer needs, or maybe costs in that market are too high. It’s standard practice and means they’re keeping the rest of their stores stronger.
It’s also useful to put those closures in context. In the exact same period, Ocean State Job Lot announced a ton of new store openings, many more than have closed. That kind of steady expansion just doesn’t add up to the classic signs of a business in trouble: no bankruptcy, no widespread layoffs, no big news about major losses.
And for those worried about the company as a whole, there’s no credible reporting out there about Ocean State Job Lot going bankrupt, liquidating, or ending business.
Why Expansion Makes Sense Now
So, why are they expanding while other retailers are shrinking? It partly comes down to timing and the unique nature of their business.
When a chain like Big Lots or Christmas Tree Shops closes, they leave behind big storefronts that can be tough to fill. Ocean State Job Lot has found it makes more sense to step in, especially in areas where people are still looking for bargains and general merchandise.
By getting those spaces at a discount, they avoid the massive costs of building something new. It also means they can open faster, keep prices lower, and bring customers back to shopping centers that otherwise might get pretty empty.
The Northeast especially seems to have plenty of customers looking for the kind of mix Ocean State Job Lot offers. And with inflation and rising prices, discount stores aren’t just surviving; in many places, they’re picking up new shoppers who want to stretch every dollar.
How They’re Different From Other Discount Chains
Ocean State Job Lot sticks out because it’s not just about selling cheap-for-the-sake-of-cheap goods. Their buyers hunt for overstock, seasonal items, or closeouts. That means if a big brand has too much left over after a big holiday, you might spot those items at Ocean State Job Lot a few weeks later at a big markdown.
Customers seem to like the treasure-hunt feeling. It’s the sort of place people talk about with their friends when they snag a 90% off garden hose or fancy chocolate that would cost double somewhere else.
That knack for turning over stock quickly plus broad product categories and low prices gives the company a solid shot at sticking around, even when retail as a whole feels less certain.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ocean State Job Lot?
In the next year, leadership at Ocean State Job Lot is betting big on continued growth. With 22 new stores opening, including several in properties that used to belong to other major chains, there’s plenty of evidence they see a future in expanding, not shrinking.
If you ever shop in their stores or follow retail news for fun, it’s worth keeping an eye on how this growth plays out. Sometimes, a company revamps their approach, focuses on stores that make sense, and comes out stronger. If you’re interested in how other businesses are navigating these changes, sites like Epic Business Tips are a good resource for keeping up with smart strategies.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in retail change happens fast. But for now, if you’re wondering “Is Ocean State Job Lot going out of business?” the honest answer is simple: No. In fact, they’re opening more stores than they’re closing.
You can probably expect the same quirky ad flyers, busy weekend parking lots, and plenty of bargains on everything from garden soil to air fryers at least for the foreseeable future. If you’re a fan of finding a deal, or just like knowing which retailers are sticking around, that’s pretty good news.
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