Ocean State Job Lot is a privately held retail company based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Founded in 1977, we are a leading discount closeout retailer with over 150 store locations throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Our Story
Ocean State Job Lot was founded in 1977 by the Rosenberg family. Our first store opened that year in North Kingstown, RI. It was a small, 7,000 square foot store that specialized in closeout merchandise and factory overruns.
The driving idea behind Ocean State Job Lot was to offer brand name, first quality merchandise at closeout prices. We recognized that by focusing on excess inventory, overruns, customer returns, and special manufacturer’s deals, we could provide incredible value to our customers.
Our merchandise was never sold as irregular, imperfect, or second-quality. It was all brand new, first quality, overstocked product from reputable manufacturers and retailers. We just offered it at steep discounts compared to traditional retail prices.
This novel discount retailer concept was a huge hit with local Rhode Island shoppers. Our first Ocean State Job Lot store gained popularity through word of mouth. Customers appreciated the ever-changing selection of discounted name-brand products that our buyers were able to source.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ocean State Job Lot continued to grow strategically in the Northeast. We opened new stores in retail-anchored plazas and existing shopping centers. Our stores were larger than traditional closeout retailers, ranging from 25,000 to 35,000 square feet. The extra space allowed us to carry an expanded, more diversified mix of merchandise.
Ocean State Job Lot was founded on several principles that guide us to this day:
- Provide discounted prices every day – We offer savings off retail prices every day. Our prices aren’t inflated just so we can advertise big markdowns.
- Focus on brand name merchandise – All products are brand name, first quality merchandise from leading manufacturers. We do not sell irregular goods.
- Rapid inventory turnover – We turn over product quickly to offer fresh assortments every time you visit.
- Deliver the thrill of the hunt – Our treasure hunt shopping experience keeps each visit exciting.
- Excellent customer service – Our helpful team assists customers and keeps stores neat and organized.
- Strong vendor relationships – We forge partnerships with vendors to find the best deals on excess inventory.
- Convenient locations – Our stores are located close to where people live and work.
- Clean, organized stores – We maintain an easy-to-shop environment.
Our Growth
In the 2000s, Ocean State Job Lot embarked on a period of accelerated growth. We more than doubled our store count, expanding beyond our New England roots into New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Some highlights:
- We opened our 100th store location in 2011 in Waterford, CT.
- By our 40th anniversary in 2017, we had grown to 136 stores with over $675 million in annual sales.
- In 2019, we celebrated the opening of our 150th store in Westborough, Massachusetts.
- Today, Ocean State Job Lot operates over 150 stores across our 6-state footprint.
Critical to our growth was assembling an exceptional team to support an expanding retail operation. We hired experienced professionals in store operations, merchandising, marketing, finance, real estate, supply chain logistics, and more.
Many of our store managers and support staff also progressed internally after starting their careers in entry-level store positions. Our promote-from-within culture helps ensure we retain talented people who know our business.
Ocean State Job Lot also invested significantly in infrastructure and technology to scale efficiently. We built a new 375,000 square foot distribution center in North Kingstown, RI featuring advanced automation. Our growing trucking fleet and partnerships with transportation providers enable direct store delivery to all locations. And we continuously upgrade systems and processes to improve inventory management, purchasing, planning, and more.
Our steady geographic expansion has always adhered to a disciplined real estate strategy. We enter new markets where our value proposition resonates and avoid over-saturation. Potential locations are evaluated based on criteria like demographics, traffic patterns, and presence of co-tenants that complement our offering.
While growing in scale, we’ve maintained focus on the core principles upon which Ocean State Job Lot was founded. Our mission is still to “WOW” customers with brand name products at closeout prices in conveniently located stores with exceptional service.
Our Stores
Ocean State Job Lot stores are conveniently located plazas and shopping centers near where our customers live and work. We operate stores in the following states:
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
The typical Ocean State Job Lot store is 25,000 to 35,000 square feet. We carry a broad assortment merchandised in clearly defined departments:
- Food & Beverages – Groceries, snacks, frozen foods, refrigerated items, and beverages. Name brands like Kraft, Pringles, Perdue, Coca-Cola, and more.
- Household Goods – Kitchen gadgets, tabletop items, small appliances, household cleaners, and laundry products. Brands like Pyrex, Yankee Candle, O-Cedar, and Finish.
- Home Fashions – Bedding, bath accessories, home storage, furniture, and seasonal decor. Brands like Mainstays, Better Homes & Gardens, Room Essentials, and Holiday Time.
- Apparel & Accessories – Clothing, shoes, jewelry, and handbags for the whole family. Brands like Nike, Reebok, Levi’s, Carter’s, and Guess.
- Health & Beauty – Personal care, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrances, vitamins, and pharmacy items. Brands like Dove, Aquaphor, Garnier, Olay, and Maybelline.
- Toys & Stationery – Toys, games, books, greeting cards, office supplies, crafts, and party supplies. Brands like Crayola, Melissa & Doug, Hallmark, and Paper Mate.
- Pet Supplies – Pet food, treats, beds, toys, litter, and other pet care essentials. Brands like Pedigree, Purina, Friskies, Busy Bones, and Tidy Cats.
- Lawn & Garden – Seasonal garden center with plants, outdoor living, tools, and lawn care. Brands like Miracle-Gro, Roundup, Scotts, and Weber.
- Automotive – Auto accessories, cleaning supplies, fluids, organizers, emergency gear, and more. Brands like Armor All, STP, Rain-X, and Michelin.
- Tools & Hardware – Home improvement, electrical, plumbing, painting, and garage storage products. Brands like 3M, GE, Gorilla Glue, Valspar, and Stanley.
- Seasonal – Holiday-themed decor, gifts, candy, costumes, and more. Brands like Yankee Candle, Russell Stover, Rubies Costume Co., and Pokon Chrysal.
We also have assortments that vary by location, such as electronics, furniture, jewelry, fitness equipment, sporting goods, clothing, music, luggage, and camping gear.
Our stores are clean and organized to showcase the array of branded bargains we offer. Clear signage and displays help customers easily navigate the aisles to uncover new treasures. We refresh product regularly to give shoppers a fun, “hunt for deals” treasure hunt experience each visit.
Knowledgeable staff provide warm, friendly customer service. They keep shelves neatly stocked, answer product questions, and assist with purchases and returns. Our stores offer convenient shopping hours 7 days a week.
Our Culture & Values
Ocean State Job Lot has a vibrant, family-oriented culture centered around our core values:
Integrity
We value honesty, fairness and adherence to high ethical standards. We do the right thing to build trust with all stakeholders.
Service
We strive to deliver caring, individualized service. Our customers’ satisfaction is our top priority.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to high performance standards and are committed to continuous improvement.
Respect
We treat everyone with dignity. Diverse perspectives, backgrounds and lifestyles make us a stronger company.
Stewardship
We focus on sustainable practices to positively impact our communities and environment.
Passion
We approach our work with enthusiasm, dedication and spirit. We support employees to reach their full potential.
Our culture encourages the kind of innovation, creativity and hustle that helped a small closeout store grow into the 150-location chain we are today. We describe our culture as “small company” and “entrepreneurial” because every team member can make a difference regardless of title or tenure.
We invest in our 4,500+ employees by offering:
- Competitive Wages & Benefits – Our pay and benefits package aims to foster financial security. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K with matched contributions, and paid time off.
- Training & Development – Employees have access to training programs, tuition reimbursem*nt, and management development curricula.
- Promote From Within Culture – Most managers are homegrown talents who started in entry level store jobs.
- Respect & Inclusion – We value diverse teams and respect all individuals. Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated.
- Open Communication – Employees are encouraged to express ideas and concerns openly with management.
- Work/Life Balance – Flexible hours and family leave policies help support work/life needs.
- Employee Recognition – Outstanding efforts are recognized through programs like Store Partner of the Year and Rising Star awards.
- Community Giving – Employees can volunteer and support causes important to where we operate.
We aim to create an environment where all employees feel welcomed, empowered, supported, appreciated, and able to build exciting careers in retail.
Our Philanthropy
Giving back to the communities we serve has been an Ocean State Job Lot priority since day one. We believe in being good corporate citizens and neighbors by supporting charitable organizations and initiatives that align with our values.
Our key philanthropic focus areas include:
Hunger Relief – We assist food banks and agencies working to alleviate hunger through product donations, volunteering, and fundraising. Our annual Check-Out Hunger campaign has raised over $30 million for local hunger relief agencies across our footprint.
Supporting U.S. Veterans – We aid organizations that provide services to veterans, active duty military, and their families. Our Ocean State Waves campaign has raised over $8 million for veterans charities.
Youth Development – We support organizations that help disadvantaged and at-risk youth thrive through education, mentoring, recreation, and leadership programs.
Health Causes – We assist hospitals, medical research institutions, and organizations dedicated to advancing healthcare and finding cures.
Environmental Stewardship – We partner with groups that protect and restore the local environment in communities where our employees live and work.
Disaster Relief – We provide assistance to help communities recover and rebuild following natural disasters.
Ocean State Job Lot and the Rosenberg family also have a long history of supporting education. We provide funding for scholarships, educational institutions, after-school programs, and other initiatives to help students succeed.
Philanthropy is integrated into our culture. Employees can volunteer for causes they care about and lead store fundraising efforts for local nonprofits. Our giving programs aim to create lasting positive change and uplift communities across our footprint.
The Future of Ocean State Job Lot
As we celebrate over 40 years in business, the future looks bright for Ocean State Job Lot. We will continue growing thoughtfully, expanding our store fleet into new markets that value our discount concept.
Technology investments will enhance the shopping experience for customers online and in-store. We will evolve purchasing, supply chain and inventory capabilities to rapidly source and deliver the amazing deals our customers love.
But the core principles that founder Marc Rosenberg instilled will remain unchanged: Provide an ever-changing selection of brand name, first quality goods at closeout prices in bright, clean, convenient stores with excellent service.
Delivering on this promise has allowed us to earn the trust and loyalty of millions of customers across the Northeast. We look forward to the next 40 years!
Thank you for being part of the Ocean State Job Lot family. Please visit your local store soon to see what discounted treasures you can find!
