Ocean State Job Lot Celebrates Grand Opening of Dover Store
First Store in Delaware Opens in Former Big Lots
Dover, DE – (June 1, 2025) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain, celebrated the opening of its first store in Delaware, located at 515 N. Dupont Highway in Dover, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 31st. The 34,438 sq. ft. space is formerly home to a Big Lots and will provide customers with a bright, friendly, and convenient shopping experience.
OSJL executives joined Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen, Council President Fred Neil, Councilwoman Julia Pillsbury, and City Manager Dave Hugg for a celebration that highlighted the company’s continued investment in revitalizing well-known retail sites and expanding job opportunities in the region.
As part of OSJL’s ongoing commitment to the communities it serves, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation donated “Operation Sleep Well Kits” to Janie’s Hands Center for Transitioning Veterans represented by founder Frances Perry.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, customers enjoyed free pictures with Bingo from the hit animated show, Bluey; and complimentary glitter tattoos, donuts, and beverages. All event attendees also had the opportunity to win one of three $150 Ocean State Job Lot gift cards.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Dover to our unique brand of shopping,” said Richard Lorntzen, Store Team Leader, Ocean State Job Lot. “We’ve worked hard to create a bright, friendly, and convenient shopping experience for residents and visitors alike, and we’re grateful to be part of this community.”
This location has created new jobs for the area, including supervisory, full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles. OSJL expects to continue its expansion across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with additional store openings throughout 2025.
Photo Captions (from left-to-right): Ocean State Job Lot Dover store associates gather around John Brown, District Team Leader, Ocean State Job Lot; Mayor Robin Christiansen; Rich Lorntzen, Store Team Leader, Ocean State Job Lot; and Council President Fred Neil for the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of OSJL’s first store in Delaware.
About Ocean State Job Lot:
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 176 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, approximately 5,600 employees, and annual sales exceeding $850 million. OSJL Shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool, and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price. The company was named a four-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a five-time US Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a three-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and a Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. *Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative, and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need. Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: (401) 295-2672; Website: OceanStateJobLot.com.
