Are Big Lots stores reopening? Nah, but this big discount chain is opening NJ stores soon
Lori ComstockIn the face of bankruptcy, beleaguered Big Lots has shuttered all their stores across the country. But what's Big Lots' loss is Ocean State Job Lot's gain.
The deep discount retailer is set to open a handful of stores across the nation, including New Jersey, in spots left vacant by Big Lots.
Ocean State Job Lot, based in Rhode Island, announced in a release Wednesday they have scooped up the leases for 15 locations in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont.
Big Lots announced last year they were filing for bankruptcy protection, citing inflation and high interest rates as the reason the company struggled to keep business as usual. Big Lots was sold to Gordon Brothers, an investment firm, who has worked to lease out the buildings to other retailers, including Ollie's Brand Discount, who snagged 40 former Big Lots locations, although none in New Jersey as of now.
Where is Ocean State Job Lot opening in NJ?
Ocean State Job Lot has purchased three former Big Lots store leases in New Jersey:
- Barnegat: 580 N Main St.
- Cape May: 3845 Bayshore Road
- Somers Point: 257 W New Road
When are new Ocean State Job Lots opening in NJ?
The Ocean State Job Lot stores in Somers Point, Barnegat and Cape May are expected to open by mid-summer 2025, according to a news release.
Ocean State Job Lots in NJ
There are currently five Ocean State Job Lots in New Jersey:
Are any Big Lots stores reopening in NJ?
The Big Lots website indicates there are just four locations left in the U.S., in California, Idaho, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
A total of 24 Big Lots stores are believed to have either closed or are in the process of closing in New Jersey, with no plans as of now to revive them as Big Lots. Earlier this month, Gordon Brothers posted 11 stores in New Jersey were set to close if otherwise not leased. In October 2024, 13 Big Lots stores were set to shutter in New Jersey.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.