A new discount retailer is expected to move into Calvert County, bringing a different kind of shopping experience to the region.
Ocean State Job Lot, a northeastern discount chain known for deeply discounted merchandise and “treasure hunt” shopping, is slated to open a new store in late 2026 at the Fox Run Shopping Center in Prince Frederick. The store will occupy the former Big Lots space, which has remained vacant following the company’s recent closures.
Ocean State Job Lot is a privately owned discount retail chain founded in 1977 in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
The company operates more than 150–170 stores across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with locations in states including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is continuing to expand into new markets.
Unlike traditional big-box retailers, Ocean State Job Lot specializes in closeout and overstock merchandise—items purchased in bulk from manufacturers and major retailers and then sold at steep discounts.
Shoppers can expect a constantly changing inventory that includes:
- Household goods and kitchen items
- Food and pantry staples
- Clothing and seasonal merchandise
- Lawn and garden supplies
- Pet products, electronics, and more
The model creates what many customers describe as a “treasure hunt” experience, where deals and product selection vary frequently.
Ocean State Job Lot has acquired multiple former Big Lots locations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic following the retailer’s bankruptcy, with plans to reopen them under its own brand.
Historically, Ocean State Job Lot has grown by taking over vacant storefronts left behind by other chains, helping to revitalize shopping centers while keeping costs lower.
For local shoppers, the store will likely serve as an alternative to retailers like Ollie’s Bargain Outlet or Dollar General, offering a wider range of discounted goods with frequently rotating inventory.
With a targeted opening in late 2026, the Prince Frederick location will mark one of the company’s continued pushes into the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland.
