NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Ocean State Job Lot announced Wednesday it is acquiring 15 former Big Lots stores in eight different states.
The Rhode Island-based discount chain already has 159 locations in the Northeast, and the expansion will add two new states to its presence: Delaware and Maryland.
Job Lot said it plans to open 22 new stores this year, including the 15 Big Lots locations.
"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," principal owner and CEO Marc Perlman said in a press release. "We look forward to introducing our unique brand, friendly service, and extraordinary savings to customers in each of these new communities."
The company, which is headquartered in North Kingstown, also said it will be hiring for up to 70 positions at each new store. Current Big Lots employees will be offered jobs.
The new stores are expected to open by mid-summer 2025.
Ocean State Job Lot has previously transformed former Christmas Tree Shops and Toys "R" Us stores into new locations.
Big Lots, another discount chain, filed for bankruptcy last September and began closing all of its stores. The company later reached a deal with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to keep many of the locations open and transfer them to other retailers.
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