Ocean State Job Lot Purchases Former Big Lots Location in Hamilton, New York, with Plans to Open in Spring 2027
The nearly 44,000-square-foot store will mark the discount retailer’s first location in Madison County, continuing its strategic expansion across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, – October 15, 2026 — Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), home of Crazy Deals® and one of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic’s leading discount retail chains, announced today that it has purchased a former Big Lots property in Hamilton, New York, with plans to open a new store in the space in spring 2027. The store will mark OSJL’s first location in Madison County and continue the company’s strategic expansion across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Located at 102 Utica Street in the Village of Hamilton, the 43,988-square-foot property was previously home to Big Lots and, before that, Ames. The new store will bring OSJL’s unique combination of brand-name merchandise, everyday essentials, and exceptional value to Hamilton and surrounding communities.
The Hamilton location will mark OSJL’s 19th store in New York and its fourth in Upstate New York. It will also continue the company’s ongoing efforts to repurpose former Big Lots properties, with Hamilton becoming its 26th such location to open since 2025.
“We’re excited to bring Ocean State Job Lot to Hamilton and introduce shoppers in Madison County to the incredible value and variety for which our stores are known,” said Mark O’Connor, Director of Real Estate. “Repurposing this former Big Lots location gives us a great opportunity to breathe new life into an existing retail space and expand our presence in New York. We look forward to becoming part of the Hamilton community and welcoming customers when we open next spring.”
The Hamilton location will create employment opportunities for area residents, with positions anticipated in store leadership, supervisory, full-time, part-time, and temporary roles. Additional details regarding hiring opportunities and how to apply will be announced as the store’s opening approaches.
The store will be located approximately 1.5 miles from Colgate University and 8.3 miles from SUNY Morrisville. OSJL’s nearest existing location is in Liverpool, New York, approximately 52 miles away.
Shoppers throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic know Ocean State Job Lot for its Crazy Deals, Insider Club, fantastic prices, friendly customer service, and wide range of merchandise. Ocean State Job Lot has made its mark in the discount-retail segment through opportunistic buying, which allows it to offer a wide selection of first-quality name brands and closeout merchandise at unbelievable prices. Shoppers find an ever-changing array of household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products, lawn and garden essentials, holiday merchandise, patio, pool and beach supplies, heating and cooling products, kitchen pantry staples, and a broad offering of gourmet and international specialty foods.
Additional details regarding the Hamilton store’s opening date, hiring opportunities, and grand opening celebration will be announced as plans are finalized.
About Ocean State Job Lot:
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 177 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, nearly 7,000 employees, and annual sales exceeding $900 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 five-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a six-time U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a five-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and four-time 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: www.oceanstatejoblot.com.
