U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. - A growing discount retail chain, known for its "crazy deals," is expanding its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
Ocean State Job Lot, the Rhode Island-based discount retail chain with more than 160 stores in the Northeast, on June 7 will hold a grand opening of its new store at 7150 Hamilton Blvd. in the Trexlertown section of Upper Macungie Township, according to an announcement on the company's Facebook page.
The new Lehigh Valley location will occupy The Shops at Trexlertown space previously occupied by a Big Lots store, which closed in March.
Ocean State Job Lot's grand opening event in Trexlertown will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 7, according to the online post.
"Be prepared to shop and have fun!" the announcement continues. "We will have a giveaway, a special guest, free coffee and more! We can’t wait to see everyone!"
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with more than 160 stores in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; approximately 5,600 employees; and annual sales exceeding $850 million.
Ocean State Job Lot 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 prices.
The company has more than a dozen stores in Pennsylvania, including other regional Ocean State Job Lot locations in Wind Gap, Shillington, Warminster, Montgomeryville and Pottstown, with the latter location opening last year.
“Shoppers throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania know Ocean State Job Lot for its Crazy Deals, Insider Club, fantastic prices, friendly customer service, and wide range of merchandise,” a news release announcing the new Pottstown location stated.
“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."
Ocean State Job Lot's mission is "to provide exceptional value to our customers while championing positive change in our communities, inspiring a more responsible model for business."
The company also prioritizes giving back to the community.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, collaborates with local partners to support a broad array of charitable causes in store communities, including: food insecurity, homelessness, veterans, child welfare, animal rescue and healthcare services.
During times of humanitarian crisis, the foundation’s focus broadens to provide emergency medical supplies, hygienic products, clothing and food for those in need, both domestic and abroad.
In recent months, Ocean State Job Lot has assisted with relief efforts related to multiple devastating events across the country, including donating much-needed clothing and household cleaning and sanitization supplies to communities across multiple southern states that were severely impacted by recent hurricanes; and donating clothing, water, non-perishable food, cleaning and sanitization items and pet supplies to communities in California severely impacted by wildfires.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation also offers a "Buy, Give, Get" program, where customers play a pivotal role. When a customer buys a Buy-Give-Get item, they receive a Crazy Deal Gift Card equal to the price of the item – essentially making the donation free.
Since the start of “Buy, Give, Get” in 2016, Ocean State Job Lot has provided more than 380,000 coats to veterans in need, nearly 80,000 to vets and those impacted by natural disaster this season alone; 3,000 bikes to children of military families across the Northeast; and thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies to local students in need.