Ocean State Job Lot, a leading discount closeout retailer headquartered in Rhode Island with stores throughout New England, New Jersey and New York, celebrated the grand opening in Biddeford of its 131st store.
The 40,000 square-foot store, in a former Shaw’s supermarket, is Ocean State Job Lot’s seventh location in Maine. Its transformation of a previously vacant retail location brings 50 new jobs to Biddeford.
During its grand opening celebration held on March 24, Ocean State Job Lot executives and Biddeford Store Manager Jason Roes presented a $500 check to the Biddeford Food Pantry, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s “Close to Our Heart” recipient.
The Biddeford Food Pantry works to end the fight against hunger in Biddeford by providing monthly grocery donations to local residents in need. Ocean State Job Lot also donated a pallet of non-perishable food valued at $1,000 for immediate use at the pantry, in addition to earmarking future monthly donations.
“We could not be more appreciative to the city of Biddeford, Mayor Alan Casavant, and the Biddeford Food Pantry for their enthusiastic support during the opening of our seventh Maine location,” David Sarlitto, executive director of Ocean State Job Lot, said in a news release. “We strive to connect to the local communities in which we operate, and we look forward to a long partnership with the city of Biddeford.”
Giving back to community
In addition to its Close To Our Heart donation, Ocean State Job Lot donated $1,000 in gift cards following the conclusion of its ‘Discount Dash for Charity,’ which featured local media and community members competing in a timed scavenger hunt for select products. Blogger Heather Goddu of the Portland Kids Calendar took first place, collecting a $500 gift card for the Center for Grieving Children in Portland; firefighter Ben Capotosto won a $250 gift card for Biddeford Fire Department and Ryan Gavin of WJBQ 97.9 radio won a $250 gift card for the Animal Welfare Center in Kennebunk.
“We are so pleased to be debut this bright and airy Job Lot store to the Biddeford community,” said Jason Roes, Biddeford store manager. “Consumers will find well-lit and with wide aisles neatly stocked with an ever-changing array of quality merchandise offered at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere. The store is designed to make value shopping an easy and enjoyable experience.”
Customers who attended the grand opening also had the opportunity to enter into a raffle for an additional $200 Ocean State Job Lot gift card.