Ocean State Job Lot Celebrates Grand Opening of Elkton, MD Store
18th Location in the Granite State revitalizes former JCPenney space with new jobs and community investments
North Conway, NH – (May 31, 2025) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain, celebrated the grand opening of its newest location at 32 Mountain Valley Boulevard in North Conway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 31st. The 38,500 sq. ft. store, formerly occupied by JCPenney, is the latest example of OSJL’s commitment to revitalizing vacant retail spaces across New England.
Local officials joined OSJL executives and community partners for a celebration that included remarks, charitable donations, and festivities, including State Senator Mark McConkey and Town of Conway Selectmen Chair Mary Carey Seavey, who also serves as executive director for the Carroll County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program.
As part of OSJL’s “Close to Our Heart” initiative, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation donated 20 Operation Sleep Well Kits to Endeavor House (Rose Normandin), and a kayak package, including a kayak, paddle, and roof rack, to Carroll County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (Mary Carey Seavey).
In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the public enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., including free pictures with Bluey, glitter tattoos, complimentary donuts and beverages, and the chance to win one of three $150 shopping spree raffles. A local radio station provided live coverage and giveaways, and attendees were invited to sign a community welcome banner.
“We’re excited to bring our unique value-driven retail experience to the North Conway community,” said Wendy McKeen, Store Team Leader at Ocean State Job Lot. “We’ve worked hard to create a friendly, clean, and accessible store for shoppers, and we’re proud to contribute to the area’s economic revitalization.”
The North Conway store is OSJL’s second in Carroll County and 18th in New Hampshire, and has created a variety of new job opportunities, including full-time, part-time, supervisory, and seasonal roles. OSJL will continue to expand its footprint across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic in 2025.
Ocean State Job Lot celebrated the grand opening of its new North Conway, NH store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by team members and local officials, including State Senator Mark McConkey and Conway Selectmen Chair Mary Carey Seavey.
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.
