Ocean State Job Lot to Open Store in Hamilton

The discount retailer plans to open a new location in a former Big Lots site by spring 2027.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Retail

Wide view of a generic brick retail building facade with a large parking lot in a small upstate New York town. — Ocean State Job Lot plans to open a new retail store at 102 Utica Street in Hamilton, New York, by spring 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ocean State Job Lot has acquired the former Big Lots property located at 102 Utica Street in Hamilton, New York. The company expects to open its new retail store at this site by spring 2027.

Why it matters

This acquisition is part of the company's strategic plan to expand its retail footprint across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. By repurposing former retail spaces, the firm continues to grow its presence in upstate New York.

The newly acquired building at 102 Utica Street measures 43,988 square feet and represents the 26th former Big Lots property repurposed by the company since 2025. The chain currently maintains annual sales exceeding $900 million with a workforce of nearly 7,000 employees.

The players

Ocean State Job Lot

This discount retail chain operates 177 stores across 11 states and focuses on opportunistic buying to offer value prices.

Colgate University

This private liberal arts university is located in Hamilton, New York, approximately 1.5 miles from the new retail site.

SUNY Morrisville

This public college is part of the State University of New York system and is situated 8.3 miles from the new store location.

The details

The site, which previously housed both an Ames department store and a Big Lots, is situated 1.5 miles from Colgate University and 8.3 miles from SUNY Morrisville. The store will provide various employment opportunities, ranging from leadership and supervisory roles to full-time, part-time, and temporary positions.

1977 marks the year Ocean State Job Lot was founded.
Since 2025, the company has opened 26 stores in former Big Lots properties.
October 16, 2026 is the date news of the property acquisition was published.
Spring 2027 is the scheduled timeframe for the new Hamilton store opening.

Market Landscape

This acquisition reflects the company's aggressive strategy to expand into secondary retail markets by capitalizing on vacated store footprints. By securing these high-visibility locations, the retailer strengthens its competitive position against other discount chains in the Northeast.

Local residents in Hamilton will gain a new shopping option for discounted merchandise once the store opens in 2027. Additionally, the project will bring new full-time and part-time job opportunities to the immediate area.

The takeaway

The arrival of this store provides local shoppers with access to opportunistic discount pricing in a previously vacant retail space. Residents seeking employment can monitor the company's career portal as the 2027 opening date approaches.