A regional discount chain is the latest retailer to acquire the leases of former Big Lots locations across the country.
Ocean State Job Lot, which operates 159 stores across the Northeast, has acquired 15 Big Lots locations in eight states following the chain’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The company plans to open up to 22 new stores this year, including the 15 former Big Lots locations and five to seven additional locations and will enter two new states, Maryland and Delaware.
Ocean State Job Lot says it will hire for up to 70 positions for each store and added that current Big Lots associates will be offered positions.
“This is an exciting chapter for us,” said Marc Perlman, Principal Owner and CEO of 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.”
